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PRICE, 25 CERTS. 


MINERVA SERIES. No. 42. 

Subscription Price, $6.00 per Year. 

Issued Monthly. FEBRUARY, 1891. 


Entered at Post Office, New York, at second-class rates. 



A NOVEL 


BY 


STELLA CHAPMAN 





JiBVl YORK 

THE MINERVA PUBLISHING COMPANY 

48 University Place 






















* 









A NOVEL. 


STELLA CHAPMAN. 

1 \ 


All rights reserved. 



NEW YORK 

THE MINERVA PUBLISHING COMPANY 

NO 48 UNIVERSITY PLACE. 

I89I. 
























































AUTHOR’S PREFACE. 


To Men and Women of the World, I dedicate 
this book. My heroes aud heroines are human, sub- 
ject to the weaknesses and vices of their sexes. 

To those who do not wish to know the world as it 
really is, I say, do not read this book, for it is life 
as it is, without a rose-colored cloak to hide its 
deformities. 


( 5 ) 



\ 


FASHIONABLE 


SINS. 


CHAPTER I. 

GOOD-BYE SCHOOL-DAYS. 

“ Good-night, young ladies, the carriage will be 
here bright and early to take you to the depot.” 

So spoke the head teacher of V Academy, 

New York State, to two of her favorite pupils, the 
last night of the term. 

It had been graduation day, a brilliant affair, but 
it was finished. The last fond school -girl gushing 
embrace had been gone over, so had the many prot- 
estations of undying remembrances to schoolmates 
and teachers ; sincere for the moment, but doomed 
to a short life ; forgotten to-morrow, the next day a 
thing of the past. The trunks were open to receive 
their last burden, the snowy billowy folds of lace and 
muslin, the graduation dresses, that lay carelessly 
thrown over a chair, while the fair owners were deep 
in meditation. 

Cora and Eugenia had been room-mates the entire 
term. 

Cora sat upon the side of the bed, in a thin night- 

co 


8 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


robe ; with a bewitching smile lurking on her red 
voluptuous lips, and a merry twinkle in the corner of 
a pair of flashing black eyes, doomed to do more mis- 
chief than the burglar with his kit of sharp edged 
tools. 

Eugenia was gazing pensively out of the window, 
her large soft blue eyes, speaking of a soul of purity 
and faith, intent in watching the shadows shifting 
among the foliage. The light breeze that so agree- 
ably w r afted the many delightful perfumes of sum- 
mer through the window casement, gently played 
with the loose blonde tresses, swinging in careless 
braids over her shoulders as she sat disrobed for the 
night. 

A low chuckle from the bed caused Eugenia to 
turn and gaze at her friend. 

Cora looked up, and laughingly said : 

“ I am glad it’s over ! ” 

“ Glad what is over ? ” answered her friend. 

“The preliminary — now life begins.” 

“ What do you mean, Cora ? ” 

“ What do I mean, you sweet innocent ? That I 
am going into the world, to play my part and get the 
most enjoyment possible.” 

Her eyes sparkled, as with a gesture of sup- 
pressed power she arose and began to pace the 
floor. 

“ First/dhe great power of all that influences men’s 
lives is money!” she continued. “It is the main- 
spring to this great machine. Its possessors take 


GOOD-BYE SCHOOL-DAYS. 


9 


the wheel and steer ; they have great bearing on the 
chain of circumstances that influences the lives of the 
supernumeraries.” She paused and looked at her 
friend. 

Eugenia was gazing at her, astonished at the un- 
expected outburst. 

“The supernumeraries?” echoed Eugenia, in 
wonder. 

“ Yes, the populace, that seem to have no other 
mission in life than to fill up a vacant space, jogging 
along at a slow and aimless trot, doing the same 
thing to-day as yesterday, in old age as in childhood, 
unruffled by the great storms, but vastly disturbed 
by the showers that patter too often on their cabbage 
leaves. When death relieves this dreary monotony, 
they pass out of life, and the vacant space is filled 
again by one of the same sort. The w r orld spins 
along, the surface is unruffled by the tiny pebbles 
that fall to the bottom of the sea.” And with a 
gesture of contempt, she again seated herself upon 
the bed. 

“ But, Cora, think of the heart-aches of the loved 
ones left behind ! ” ventured Eugenia, as she rested 
her hand upon her friend’s shoulder. 

u Yes, dear, but the loved ones are tiny pebbles 
also, grains of sand upon this vast globe and of no 
more consequence.” 

“ I should hate to think we are not missed when 
we are dead,” and a big tear glistened in the sweet 
blue eye. 


10 


FASHIONABLE SlN£. 


“We are missed, only in proportion to the space 
we occupy. That is regulated according to the num- 
ber of strings we hold in our grasp often pulled to 
make the puppets dance,” replied Cora. 

“ I do not understand you,” said Eugenia, with a 
sigh, as she sank into a chair. 

“I mean the rich and the crafty men — the latter, 
the brains, that can make a cat’s paw of the money.” 

“But, Cora, that applies to men. How about us 
women ? ” 

“ My dear, our power lies in another direction. 
The strings we pull are men’s passions. Study men’s 
weaknesses, play upon their fancy, flatter their 
vanity, and they fall at your feet. Oh, how I long 
to use my power ! ” and she tossed her beautiful arms 
above her head, and a gleam of triumph flashed in 
the black eyes. 

“ Cora, I do not understand you ! ” and a look of 
shocked wonder passed over the pale ethereal face of 
the speaker. 

“ My girl, you are too good to make a success of 
life ! I am afraid you will be one of the pebbles,” 
answered Cora, with a suspicion of a sneer in her 
voice. 

“ And you ? ” asked Eugenia, anxiously. 

“ Oh, I will be the heavy spray that dashes over 
all within its range, and strongly built must be the 
bark to resist it ! ” She accompanied the vague 
sentiment by a sweeping, tragic gesture. 

“ You frighten me, Cora ! ” 


GOOD-BYE SCHOOL-DAYS. 


11 


“ I will make a success of life, for myself at least. 
Eugenia, I have never spoken of myself, or of my 
affairs before. I will tell you where my life has been 
spent until I entered this school ; then you will not 
be astonished at what you may consider my extra- 
ordinary ideas,’* and placing her elbows on her 
knees, and resting her chin on the palms of her 
hands, she commenced her story. 

“ My father was a colonel in a regiment in India, 
when I was a little girl, after which he sold out and 
became a gambler. My life was passed in the midst 
of intrigue; sometimes in what was called society, 
sometimes in the barracks. I was a precocious child, 
all ears and ej r es, and fond of hiding in the shrubbery 
and spying upon my elders. As I sat quietly in my 
corner, in the garden attached to the barracks, con- 
cealed by tall plants and shrubs, many were the con- 
versations I overheard, and many a lesson of life I 
have learned which I intend to profit by when the 
time comes. My father died, then my mother, leav- 
ing me a pittance. But it is luxury I want, and I 
will have it.” 

“ Cora, you do not mean what you say. Be con- 
tent with the lot God has given you, and strive to 
do your duty. Woman’s sphere is a domestic one. 
Some day we will marry and have homes of our 
own. I want to help the man I marry to be better, 
to look on this world as a preparatory one for a 
purer, better life in Heaven. You surely believe in 
influence, Cora?” 


12 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ Most decidedly.” 

“ And you think a good woman can lead a man 
to Heaven ? ” 

“Perhaps, if he will allow it. But I think a bad 
woman will lead him further in the other direction, 
and they rarely refuse to be led there,” answered 
Cora, with a mocking laugh. 

“ Cora, you hurt me by ybur flippant speech. Tell 
me why you believe so ? ” 

“Why, my poor girl, because man’s nature par- 
takes more of the brute than woman’s, and instinct 
has more power than reason. A bad woman pos- 
sesses qualities that harmonize with their own. They 
soothe and charm them, they feel at home with them, 
and a freedom to act themselves ; while a good 
woman chills them with her purity, which strikes no 
responsive chord in them, and keeps them on a rack 
of restraint.” 

“ But they respect them, Cora ! ” 

“ Oh, yes, and neglect them also. Men like self- 
indulgence. They hate to keep a guard upon them- 
selves always,” replied Cora, with conviction. 

“ Where did you learn all this horrible heresy ? ” 
gasped Eugenia, for her friend’s views of life were 
carrying her to depths she could not fathom. 

“ From obvservation in India, and partly from my 
mother, who had been a poor governess in a rich 
family there. She was a Frenchwoman, and mar- 
ried for love alone, but repented bitterly. My 
father broke her heart. She died a short time be- 


GOOD-BYE SCHOOL-DAYS. 


13 


fore I entered this school. Her troubles almost 
turned her brain. She had no one to talk to but 
me, and in the long night watches, her heart, the 
tender loving heart — ” and the black eyes softened, 
and her tones grew tender at memory of her mother, 
“ grew hard and cynical. When my father was 
brought home to her dead — he burst a blood vessel 
in a drunken rage — she never shed a tear, but a hard 
look stole over her face, as she said, 6 You have gone 
to your Judge. He will balance our accounts.’ ” 

She drew a long sigh and a single tear fell upon her 
hand. She shook it off impatiently and continued : 
“ In one year from that day she too was sleeping 
under the sod, and I was an orphan. Then a cranky 
old bachelor, General Granger, my guardian — years 
ago he was in the same regiment with my father, and 
they became great friends — sent me here to get me 
out of his way till I came of age. In one week I 
shall relieve him of his responsibility and do the 
best I can for myself. I do not intend to be dis- 
tanced in the race of life as poor mother was.” 

“ Cora, she will have her reward in Heaven,” soft- 
ly murmured Eugenia. 

“Yes, dear, that is a beautiful theory, this reward 
business. Without it there would be nothing to 
soften the misery that finds itself bound and help- 
less. I prefer to take an installment of my reward 
here on earth,” and a cynical look stole ever her 
face. 

“ I will live for a better and more exalted life, 


14 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


come what will ! ” replied Eugenia. “ If I find the 
burden hard to bear, I will endure my cross patient- 
ly, trusting to our Father in Heaven to right the 
wrong in His own good time.” I he pure face was 
lifted to the sky, and a patient trusting light, not of 
earth, shone from the wells of the clear blue eyes. 

The other girl looked at her with a curl of the lip, 
and a pitying gleam flashed from her black eyes, as 
she said : 

“ My poor Eugenia, pray to die young ! ” 

These are the characters of the girls, whose lives 
are destined to intermingle and influence each other 
to such a great degree. 

Eugenia sighed as she came from the window, si- 
lently finished packing her trunk, locked it, and then 
went to bed. Cora, meanwhile, followed her example. 

Having turned out the light, Cora gave Eugenia 
the customary good-night kiss, and said : 

“Dear, you are too good to be imposed upon. 
May the Heaven you trust in, take pity on you, and 
strew your path with roses, but forget to make the 
thorns ! ” 

“ Thanks ; and you, dear, take a better view of 
life,” answered Eugenia, persuasively. 

“We must act our natures,” replied Cora, indif- 
ferently. 

“ No, dear, we must fight against them,” remon- 
strated Eugenia. 

“I will think it over. Good-night,” yawned Cora. 


GOOD-BYE SCHOOL-DAYS. 


15 


The clock struck six. The morning was one of 
those glorious June days, when the diamonds glis- 
tened on the grass, and the leaves of the trees play- 
fully wrestled with each other. The roses, the gor- 
geous festal attire that decked Queen June, exhaled 
their most fragrant odors. All the world was peace- 
ful. It was a day to make the sorrowful glad, to 
lull misery into a false security, and make the un- 
fortunate think life was still worth the living. 

In the room occupied by the two girls, the sun- 
beams were playing peek-a-boo in the chinks of the 
shutters, and lightly kissing the raven and golden 
braids of the sleepers, resting lovingly on the fair 
hair of her w r ho thought refinement and nobility 
only were worth the striving for. One fierce gleam, 
more vicious than the rest, shot across the eyes, that 
opened wide with a black and startled look. She 
sat up in bed and looked at the clock. 

“ Six o’clock ! Come, Eugenia, it is time to get 
up ! ” and gently shaking her friend to arouse her, she 
crossed to the window and threw open the shutters. 
“ Oh, what a lovely day ! Let us dress quickly,” 
she exclaimed, to the now fully awakened Eugenia, 
and both hurried on their clothes and hastened to 
breakfast, arriving last in the dining-room amid a 
clatter of knives and forks, giggles, and chatter that 
would put a cage of magpies to shame. 

All the gush incidental to school-days was repeat- 
ed, discipline was relaxed, for were they not about 
to separate, perhaps never again to meet in this 
world ! 


16 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


The omnibus drew up at the door amid hurry and 
scuffle, collecting of wraps and satchels, quick em- 
braces, and promises to write, never to forget each 
other, etc. At last all were ready and seated, and 
then the omnibus drove off, handkerchiefs were wav- 
ed and kisses wafted through the air. The teachers 
gazed their last at pupils, some they were never to 
see again, and then turned sadly into the big and 
empty house. 

Friendship is so fleeting a thing ! It is ours to-day, 
it is gone to-morrow. A word, a look, a tone, may 
tear apart the fabric that years have helped to weave. 

Memory is so treacherous ! The years act as blot- 
ters on the page of life, absorbing name, indentity 

and all the events that hold so important a place in 
youth. 

Is it a wonder, that the heart of age grows weary 
when we say good-bye to youth ? 


ON THE TRAIN. 


17 


CHAPTER II. 

ON THE TRAIN. 

Arriving at the railroad depot, our two heroines 
hustled into the cars, settled themselves comfortably 
on the cushions, and gave themselves up to thought, 
while their schoolmates clustered together and began 
to chatter again. The engine blew a whistle, and 
started off on its daily trip. 

Eugenia pictured to herself the loving greeting 
from fond parents, the brother whose eyes beamed 
with pride when they rested on her, and the many 
friends whose little attentions made such a pleasant 
episode in her smooth and peaceful life. Then she 
wove for herself a little romance of the future, 
bright and cloudless, unsullied by the storms of time. 
That gentle heart never dreamt of the chasms and 
hurricanes that intersperse life — such souls as hers 
are so pure and guileless that when a whirlwind 
passes over them, they are so unprepared to meet it 
that it either leaves them wrecked and stranded on 
the shore, or elevates the soul, like a purifying fire, 
till it is worthy of a martyr’s crown. 

The glistening black eyes a few seats off, were 
thinking of far different things ; in fact, reading the 
2 


18 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


characters of her traveling companions, much to her 
own amusement, for Cora was a worldling to her 
finger tips and had been trained to expect the worst, 
and to meet it with a bold front ; and she did full 
justice to her teacher. 

Just then the train drew up at a sleeping village 
with a jerk. The assembled representatives of the 
town were gathered around in knots, waiting for the 
passing glimpse of hurried civilization, the only 
excitement that rescued them from stagnation. 

The iron horse then g^ive a whistle like a shout of 
derision, saying, u Catch me if you can,” and hurried 
on. 

Cora turned again to the passengers and recom- 
menced her observation. There is a country girl, 
evidently on her first trip. Her brain is sweetly 
slumbering, while eyes alone are on active duty; she 
feels bound to do as the rest do, and fishes in an 
antiquated purse for pennies every time the chew- 
ing-gum man or the newsboy passes. Of ice-water 
she has already swallowed enough to start a good 
case of colic, in any one less used to surprises of the 
stomach ; but hers has been trained by early apples, 
green fruit and cucumbers. 

In a seat in front, is a weary careworn mother, 
with an infant and small brood of steps around her. 
That infant ! the horror of the bachelors, the dread 
of all in general, but the mother ! Beginning its 
fretful mewl, while the heavy-laden arms mechani- 
cally tossed it up and down ; poor soul, she would be 


ON THE TRAIN. 


19 


glad when her brood grew up, she. was so tired. But 
she had fulfilled woman’s mission ! She ought to be 
happy, but somehow, she wasn't ! Why was it ? 

Opposite her sat a stylish fresh-faced woman, past 
the first flush of youth, but with a satisfied air play- 
ing over her well defined face. She was a philosopher, 
and had no children. . . . 

The other woman looked at her with the envy she 
could not help, and wondered if the stylish lady was 
wicked ? She knew she was on the path to Heaven, 
because her pastor pointed out her duty and told her 
that if her travel-worn feet staggered on the rocky 
soil, it meant eternal annihilation. She sighed, and 
turned again to the old mechanical occupation of 
trotting the baby. 

There was a woman with a living toy, a lap dog. It 
annoyed no one but a few cranks, constitutionally 
sore with themselves and looking for grievances. 
They pitched on the dog. It did no harm, but must 
be removed ; it would wound the feelings of the 
owner, and it is the crank’s delight to plant a thorn 
in the quivering flesh of others. 

Behind Cora sat a middle-aged woman, who per- 
sisted in inquiring at every station how far they were 
from New York, and venturing on remarks which 
eventually led up to her one absorbing topic — her 
family history. It was a prosy, uneventful one, filled 
with petty cares and daily annoyances ; but to her it 
had assumed gigantic proportions, and she insisted on 
inflicting it on any good-natured person who would 


20 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


listen. Cora, not being endowed with much 
patience, threw her head bach on the cushion and 
pretended sleep, while her tormentor settled back 
into her seat with the remark, “ Bless my soul, how 
can people sleep with this noise ! ” 

Opposite Eugenia sat a young man who had been 
watching her intently during the trip, much to Cora's 
disgust, for she was always looking for scalps to 
hang at her girdle ; but in this case it was in vain, 
although she had done her best to attract him. 

At last Eugenia seized the window and tugged at 
the sash, but as is usually the case, it refused to 
move. He saw his chance and sprang up with alac- 
rity. 

“ Pray let me assist you,'' said lie, raising the win- 
dow. 

“ Thank you very much,” answered Eugenia, re- 
lieved. 

« Very warm to-day, is it not ? ” he continued, set- 
tling into the seat in front of her, which happened 
to be empty, and fanning himself with his hat. 

it '\~ r * JJ 

“ i es, sir. 

“ Have you far to travel?” 

“ Only to New York.” 

“ Indeed ! I live there myself,” lie replied, with an- 
imation. “ You are on a visit to friends, I presume ? ” 
he continued, interrogatively. 

A more worldly woman would have resented the 
liberty the stranger was taking in opening a conver- 
sation. 


ON THE TRAIN. 


21 


Eugenia dreamed of no harm. He was pleasant, 
gentlemanly and good looking ; so she answered : 
“ It’s my home. I have just graduated from school/’ 
“ Ah, indeed ! May I be permitted to ask what 
school? ” he inquired, with ready interest. 

“Certainly. V Academy/' 

“ I had a sister who graduated from there a few 
years ago,” he announced, with a satisfied air, as he 
settled himself to proceed with the conversation. 

It was another man’s sister, but it answered Ro- 
land Dupont, as a starter of conversation, just as well 
as if it was his own sister. 

“ She has often described the place to me,” con- 
tinued Roland. “ Very pretty, is it not ? ” 

“ Rather pretty,” she replied, musingly. 

“ Are you glad to leave it ? ” 

“ I am going home,” and a radiant look shone in 
her face. “ You know, one is always glad to go 
home ! ” 

“ Are they?” questioned he, curiously. 

“Are you not glad?” she asked, in a tone of as- 
tonishment. 

“I couldn’t say, I have no home now,” he replied, 
sadly, and he watched the effect of this bit of senti- 
ment on his companion. 

The blue eyes filled with tears of sympathy. 

“ I should die if I had no home ! ” she said. 

“ I hardly think so,” remarked he. “ Many peo- 
ple have no homes, and yet are alive to-day.” 

“ But your sister?” suggested Eugenia. 


22 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


44 Oh, she’s dead ! ” 

The tone was so flippant that Eugenia was shocked. 

He saw the impression and hastened to change it 
by inventing an excuse. 

“ That was many years ago, and I have almost 
forgotten her.” 

“But I understood you to say she talked to you 
about V Academy? ” 

44 Yes, but I was a little boy then. She was many 
years older than I was.” 

He saw plainly he was getting into deep water, and 
must sheer off. He prided himself, like many of his 
sex, on his powers of invention when talking to 
women ; so he put on a very solemn expression, and 
remarked : 

44 Yes, I am now an orphan.” 

44 1 am so sorry for you ! ” said Eugenia. “I love 
my home, and hope I shall never leave it.” 

Cora was trying her best to catch his eye. It was 
useless. Blondes were his favorites. 

44 You will leave it, of course, for a home of your 
own when you marry. We all do that, you know,” 
he replied, in a half-earnest, half-jesting tone of 
voice. 

44 1 am going to be an old maid ! ” announced 
Eugenia. 

A quiet smile lurked under the nicely trimmed 
moustache — that was such a hackneyed phrase with 
school-girls, but this one was really so earnest and 
unsophisticated, she was absolutely amusing. 


ON THE TRAIN. 


23 


“ Would nothing tempt you to change your mind ? ” 
asked he, in a quizical tone, 

“But I could not leave mamma. If you only 
knew mamma, you would agree with me.” 

He suggested that he was quite willing to become 
acquainted with 44 mamma.” 

44 Is she a widow ? ” was the next inquiry. 

44 Oh, no ! I have a dear papa also, and a brother. 
Reginald is so nice, everybody likes him. He is 
studying for the ministry.” 

“ Reginald ! Reginald ! ” repeated Roland. 44 1 
have an acquaintance of that name, Reginald Dale.” 
44 Why, that is my brother ! ” exclaimed Eugenia, 
delighted. 

44 Why, you don’t tell me so? ” with great anima- 
tion. Then he continued, glibly, 44 So glad to have 
met you. Your brother has often spoken of you, 
Miss Dale, and I feel as if we were already ac- 
quainted.” 

That was an awful lie, the friendship of Reginald 
Dale, as Roland Dupont never saw Mr. Reginald 
Dale but once, and never knew he had a sister ; but 
it was a good opening for future acquaintance to set 
up a friendship for the brother, and Roland believed 
in the old adage, 4 * All is fair in love or war.” 

44 Of course you will call to see Reginald, and then 
I can introduce you to mamma,” mildly suggested 
Eugenia. 

44 Of course ! Let me see, I am afraid I have lost 
your address. Your brother gave me his card, I be- 


24 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


lieve,” beginning to search in all his pockets, for 
what he knew was not there. 

44 Do not bother to search. I will give it to you 
again.” 

44 Oh, thanks ! you are too good,” he answered, 
drawing out his notebook. 

“It is No. 100th Street.” 

44 Wh}r, of course, how stupid of me to forget it ! ” 
he exclaimed, as if the entire address had suddenly 
come back to him. 

44 1 shall be sure to tell Reginald all about our 
meeting ” Eugenia was commencing rapturous- 

ly, when he interrupted her. 

44 Yes, of course,” with a little forced laugh, 44 but 
suppose you say nothing about it, and let me drop 
in and surprise him some day. I have no doubt he 
believes me in Europe by this time, and I enjoy sur- 
prises.” 

Knowing well that Reginald had forgotten all 
about this slight acquaintance, and would deny any 
knowledge of ’ him should his sister mention this lit- 
tle episode, he wished an opportunity to recall and 
magnify that acquaintance, before Eugenia had a 
chance to tell of it. 

44 As you please, but you must not expect me to 
keep it secret too long,” she said. 

44 1 never expect the impossible from a lady, Miss 
Dale,” he answered,* with a flattering little smile, 
which was lost in the dim light, by the train drawing 
into the station, and halting with a jerk. Every- 


ON THE TRAIN. 


25 


body jumped to their feet, each hurrying to collect 
their belongings and be first out of the door. 

As they arose, Roland handed his card to Eugenia, 
and hoped she would not forget him. Then he bow- 
ed and thanked her for her permission to call on her 
brother, and retired. 

Cora’s eyes followed him with envious glances as 
she stepped forward to say good-bye. 

Eugenia kissed her friend. “ Come and see me 
very soon, dear ! ” she hastily murmured, and then 
ran out to throw herself in the arms of father and 
mother. 

Cora, following, met the crusty old General 
Granger, her guardian, called general by courtesy. 
He stooped and gave her a kiss which sounded like 
the suction of air through a vacuum, and startled a 
nervous man, who had just descended from the car, 
into an exclamation, which caused the general to 
grunt ; and alarmed a flighty woman with a baby to 
such an extent, that she nearly dropped her charge. 
But then, she nearly always did every thing wrong. 
Wrong is only connected with right by a thread — if 
no unusual disturbance occurs, the thread holds ; if 
a little breeze springs up, the tension tightens, the 
thread snaps and away goes the victim in the vortex 
of turbulation. 

“ Looking well —tired? — dirt ? — trunk — checks ? ” 
jerked out the general in his disconnected speech. 
He was essentially a man of business and did not 
believe in wasting even words. 


26 


fashionable sins* 

“ Oh, yes, I had my trunk checked, of course,** 
said Cora. 

“Bah! any fool knew that! Check — where? 

grunted the general. 

“ Oh, you wish my check ? Certainly, here it is,” 
replied Cora, producing it. 

“ Outside — carriage — come along.” 

Cora followed the general, who strutted along with 
martial bearing, elbowing all in his way right and 
left. 

He hustled her into a carriage, poked the trunk 
check under a porter s nose, and growled : 

“ Miss Tabb — No. 23d Street.” 

The manner of giving the address so astonished 
the porter that he inquired again, which caused the 
general to fume to the degree that an immediate at- 
tack of apoplexy was to be feared ; but order was 
restored, and the carriage driven off. 

Arriving at 23rd Street, the general ran up the 
steps and attacked the bell. It was answered im- 
mediately, as his ring always was a case of “Hurry 
up, or hire a bell hanger,” 

Cora followed leisurely, and arrived in time to be 
introduced to a thin wiry old maid, with a very offi- 
cious air. It was Miss Tabb, who had opened the 
door herself. She simpered and fluttered. Poor soul, 
she had tried to please everybody all her life, and 
succeeded in pleasing nobody. She ambled up-stairs, 
chattering all the way, and showed Cora to her room, 
the general following in silence. As soon as the door 


OK THE TRAIK. 


27 


was opened Miss Tabb began a profusion of apolo- 
gies for everything, although all was in perfect order, 
for it 'is a pleasure to some people to apologize. 

The general waved his hand with the remark : 

“ ’Nough said — all right.” Turning to Cora, he 
continued : “ Suit you — or go to hotel ? ” 

“ This will suit me very well, thank you,” she re? 
plied, sinking into an arm-chair. Miss Tabb opened 
her mouth again, but before a word could come forth 
the general had given her a glance which petrified 
I her. 

“ Good-bye — send trunk — want anything ? ” he 
gurgled, as he moved toward the door. 

“ No, thanks, I will be very comfortable. Good- 
bye ,” answered Cora, as she mechanically gave him 
her hand. 

Then raising his hat to Miss Tabb in an abrupt 
manner, and giving her a piercing glance, which re- 
duced her to a state of silent uncertainty, she not be- 
ing sure whether the general was displeased with her 
or something wrong about the room, he stalked down- 
stairs, and the door slammed. Miss Tabb looked re- 
lieved, and opened her mouth again ; but was shut 
off this time by Cora, who begged for warm water. 
Away Miss Tabb ambled with another profusion of 
apologies, to wait on her new boarder, while Cora 
locked the door, seated herself, and laid plans for the 
future ; plans satisfactory to herself, but woe betide 
the man or woman who placed an obstacle before 
her. * 


28 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


CHAPTER III. 

Eugenia’s home. 

Home ! What memories does that word recall ! 
To some, the dearest spot on earth, surrounded with 
a halo of love and devotion. To others, misery, pri- 
vation and confusion, till the word is a very night- 
mare. And yet to another class, it is a word with- 
out a meaning — simply a place to sleep, eat, and 
store one’s wardrobe, etc. 

To Eugenia it was all that could be desired, a cosy 
little nest, a pretty cottage with veranda in front, 
covered with woodbine and honeysuckles. In a 
charming room with soft couches, luxurious easy- 
c hairs, were many an evidence of busy fingers in the 
fancy articles that adorned the room ; and at the 
window birds in gilded cages, were trying their best 
to deafen the other occupants of the room with 
melody. Beneath a cage stood Eugenia, in her fresh 
muslin dress, talking and twittering to her favorite, 
a fat canary, which hopped about in glee, conde- 
scending to utter a shrill note now and then. 

In a cool spot by the window, sat a lady of middle 
age, busy with a piece of embroidery. From her re- 
semblance to Eugenia it was evident she was her 


EtTGENIA’S HOME. 


29 


mother — the same mild ej^es, the same sweet smile. 
She had never been anything but a helpless depend- 
ent woman, but her husband adored her, for the gen- 
tle affectionate nature that made his home a haven of 
rest and contentment after a weary day. 

44 Oh, mamma,” cried Eugenia, 44 look at Billy! He 
is actually shedding his feathers ; and see, he is really 
quite bald ! ” 

Billy ruffled his feathers and chirped with an of- 
fended air, and then, as if to confute the assertion of 
age, he plunged into his bath dish and the water flew 
in every direction, some sprinkling Eugenia’s face ; 
but she did not mind it, and laughed heartily at his 
exertion. He then hopped nimbly on his perch, 
looked right and left at his feathered neighbors, 
cocked his little bald head on one side and with the 
air of a famous opera tenor, prepared to burst into 
song. It was a dire failure, and ended in a hoarse 
croak. Billy looked ashamed, and seemed to realize 
his day was over ; so folding his wings, he closed 
his eyes and prepared to take a nap. 

The door bell rang, which caused the birds to flut- 
ter and sing. It waked Billy up, and in his cracked 
voice he made another attempt to join the general 
harmony. 

The new-comer was Roland Dupont. He was 
dressed in the latest fashion, and really did credit to 
his tailor. He was a handsome man with hazel eyes 
and wavy dark brown hair, and a moustache that was 
the admiration of all the young ladies. His frame 


30 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


was tall and athletic, and his manners were gentle- 
manly and engaging. He bowed to the ladies, and 
with a winning smile, remarked : 

“Hope I am not intruding, ladies? ” 

“ Certainly not,'’ answered Mrs. Dale. “We are 
very pleased to Avelcome you,” and she offered him 
her hand. 

Eugenia followed her mother’s example, and then 
placed a chair for him by the window, where a slight 
breeze was stirring the curtains, for the day was 
warm. 

“ Here, Mr. Dupont,” observed Eugenia, “ is the 
coolest spot in the room. I will get you a fan.” 

“ Don’t trouble yourself on my account, I beg. I 
will do very well,” as he seated himself and took his 
handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the perspira- 
tion from his face. He had taken great pains to 
establish a firm footing in this pleasant little house- 
hold, and considered his manoeuvre a masterpiece. 
It was two months now since he renewed his ac- 
quaintance with Reginald. By great diplomacy he 
succeeded in impressing him with the idea that the 
acquaintance had been of longer duration than it 
really had, and by his genial gentlemanly manners 
had won the family's esteem, so that when the rail- 
road trip was referred to, at last, they forgot he was 
a stranger at the time. 

Eugenia’s attention was again attracted by Billy, 
who had decided to take another bath, with the usual 
result ; and several of the other birds following his 


Eugenia's home. 


81 


example, the spray fell fast in that part of the room, 
and Roland received a most unexpected and liberal 
shower bath. 

“ Oh, Mr. Dupont, I am sorry if Billy has wet 
you ! You must excuse him, he is so lovely ! ” ex- 
claimed Eugenia. 

“ Yes, he is a charming bird, sings so beautifully ! ” 
he replied, fervently. He had no idea which was 
Billy nor did he care, but resolved to move out of 
Billy’s way just the same, before the aforesaid shower 
was repeated. 

“ Now, you don’t mean it, Mr. Dupont, you know 
Billy has lost his voice,” replied Eugenia, busy in re- 
moving the drops of water from the furniture. 

“ Has he ? Why, of course. I forgot it.” 

His attention was now claimed by the other occu- 
pants of the room, a big angora cat and an over-fed 
pug, for both of which he had a kind word. Roland 
was fond of pets, which characteristic helped to win 
him the regard of both ladies. 

“ Reginald is not home, I suppose you wished to 
see him ? ” suggested Mrs. Dale, as a matter of 
course. 

“ Yes, yes, of course, I wanted to speak to him 
about — about — well, it doesn’t matter, any time will 
do,” he replied, nonchalantly. “ Ob, by the way, I 
have a great favor to ask of you,” he continued, in a 
very off-hand manner, as if he had not come on pur- 
pose to ask it. u Miss Dale, if you will permit me to 
escort you to hear Patti, I shall be charmed. I only 


32 


FASH fONABLE SINS. 


succeeded in getting a couple of tickets, and feel so 
hurt not to be able to ask your mother to join us,” 
and he assumed a look of contrition. 

By the way, he only inquired for two seats. Miss 
Dale’s mother was very nice, but Miss Dale without 
her, was more charming still. 

Eugenia looked at her mother for a reply. 

u Well, my dear, I think I can trust you to Mr. 
Dupont’s care.” 

“ Oh, thanks, mamma ! It was so good of you, Mr. 
Dupont, to think of me ! I am dying to hear Patti.” 

44 Not at all, the obligation is all on my side,” re- 
plied he. 44 1 am delighted that you will allow me 
the privilege of escorting you.” 

44 You are so thoughtful, Mr. Dupont. I often say 
to mamma that you remind me of Reginald, but of 
course he does not take me to the opera. He is too 
considerate of the profession he has adopted to bring 
even a reflection on his cloth, but he is the best 
brother in the world.” 

44 Won’t you adopt me for a brother also, Miss 
Dale ? ” he replied, with a little insinuating laugh. 

44 If you wish it, Mr. Dupont,” she answered, with 
a charming blush. 

“ I shall be delighted, but you must not call me 
Mr. Dupont. If I am to be your brother, you must 
call me Roland.” 

44 Oh, no ! I couldn’t at present. l r ou haven’t 
been my brother long enough,” she exclaimed, with 
a laugh. 


EUGENIA’S HOME. 


33 


A rustle of skirts, the door opened, and Cora in 
all the gorgeousness of the latest fashion whirled in. 
Eugenia rushed to embrace her. 

“ Oh, Cora, you dear thing, I am so glad to see 
you ! Just think, Mr. Dupont is so thoughtful ! He 
has invited me to the opera to hear Patti,” and she 
clapped her hands with childish glee. 

“So glad, dear, you will enjoy it,” and she coldly 
returned the embrace, then quietly kissed Mrs. Dale 
and turned to Roland with a bow. 

“ Ah, Mr. Dupont, I see you are trying to keep 
cool," she remarked, with a seductive smile, which 
was entirely thrown away. 

Roland, after a hasty bow, silently dropped his eyes 
and admired the slipper that adorned Eugenia’s 
slender foot. 

Cora lifted her eyes in surprise at his indifference, 
and a threat gleamed forth. She vowed within her- 
self that this man, who failed to see her fascinations, 
should yet be her humble slave. 

“ Cora, dear,” said Eugenia, “ take off your hat 
and stop to lunch. You are always in such a hurry. 
Tell her she must, mamma.” 

Mamma smiled her cordial agreement. “Yes, 
dear, and Mr. Dupont must remain also,” she -said. 

“ Delighted, of course — ” answered he, with alac- 
rity; then thinking he was a little hurried in accept- 
ing, and catching a sarcastic smile on Cora’s face, he 
hastened to add, “ if you are sure I won’t be a nui- 
sance, I should so like to wait for Reginald,” 

3 


34 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ Certainly, wait for Reginald by all means,” re- 
plied Mrs. Dale. 

Cora smiled again. She had gauged the situation, 
and thinking she might derive amusement from it, 
accepted also. 

“ Come, dear, to my room, and take off your 
wraps,” urged Eugenia, as she lovingly put her arm 
around her friend and conducted her from the room. 

Roland bit his finger nails and communed with 
himself. “ Now what shall I say to Reginald to ex- 
plain my anxiety to see him?” 

“What charming weather? ” remarked Mrs. Dale. 

“ Yes, he is a nice singer,” replied Roland, ab- 
sently. 

Mrs. Dale started and repeated her observation. 

“ Yes, yes, of course, beg your pardon ; thought 
you referred to the bird.” 

Mrs. Dale looked at the pet bird. He was a sight, 
featherless and fat. 

“ He is Eugenia’s favorite,” said she. 

Roland was in dreamland again. “ Yes, I rather 
like August myself.” 

Mrs. Dale gazed at him a moment with a puzzled 
expression on her face, but seeing that he was lost in 
thought, and entirely unconscious of her scrutiny, or 
the drift of her conversation, gave up any further 
attempt, and picking up her work again, devoted her 
attention to the rose that was so rapidly growing 
beneath her nimble fingers, and admiring the bright 
colored silks that lay in a little heap upon the stand, 
beside her. 


Eugenia’s home. 


35 


As the clock struck one, merry laughter resounded 
outside. Eugenia entered the room, affectionately 
leaning on the arm of her brother and followed by 
Cora. 

“See, mamma,’ 1 laughed Eugenia, “we have cap- 
tured the truant.” Then facing him, she playfully 
shook her finger at him, continuing: “Are you not 

ashamed of yourself, sir, to be so late ! Here is Mr. 
Dupont whom you have kept waiting to see you.” 

“Yes,” exclaimed Cora, looking toward Roland 
with an exaggerated gravity on her face, while her 
eyes danced with mischief. “He is positively 
neglecting his business, in his anxiety to wait for 
you.” 

Roland cast a look of reproach on Cora, as he ad- 
vanced with outstretched hand to welcome Reginald, 
remarking: “Yes, old fellow, how di do?” as he 
shook his hand. 

Reginald returned the friendly pressure and hoped 
he had not kept him waiting long, and then turning 
to the others he offered the following explanation in 
excuse for his tardy appearance. 

“We had a new speaker at the college to-day, and 
as I was very much interested in his discourse, I re- 
mained to be introduced to him,” at the conclusion 
of which he pinched Eugenia’s cheek playfully. 

Reginald was like his mother in looks. He had 
the same light hair, the same blue eyes, the same 
cheerful smile, which lighted up his face into a 
charming expression of loyalty. It was a face to 


36 


FASHIONABLE SINS, 


trust, although possessing no pretentions to beauty. 
In form he was tall and slight. He was a man who 
would never perform great deeds in life, but would 
al ways be a friend in need. He was a general favor- 
ite with all who knew him. 

He again turned to Roland and continued: 

“Anything important you wished to see me for?” 

“No, no,” replied Roland, “nothing very import- 
ant, of course, only ” 

Cora’s eyes were fixed upon him with amusement. 
She was waiting for the lie that she felt sure was 
coming. 

“You see — ” he began, “our club is going to give 
a dinner, and we wanted you to join us,” he finished, 
with a gasp of relief. 

The dinner party at the moment only existed in 
Roland’s fervid imagination, but it bridged a diffi- 
culty for the present. Afterwards he could make 
arrangements for it to actually take place. Roland 
was a thoroughly good fellow, but veracity was not 
his most striking virtue. 

“ Delighted, my friend, of course,” Reginald re- 
plied, “ but I fear I would be rather dull company 
among such a lively crowd. You know I am more 
suited to a musty library, surrounded by what you 
might call dry literature,” and a pleasant smile 
lighted up his face. 

“ Nonsense,” answered Roland, “you are just the 
man we want and we shall accept no excuse. Con- 
sider yourself engaged to us for the dinner. Be 
sure not to make any other engagement.” 


37 


Eugenia’s home. 

“What date is your dinner fixed for?” asked 
Reginald, somewhat doubtfully. 

“We haven’t decided fully, will let you know 
later/’ Roland replied, flippantly. 

“Who is invited to your feast ?” Reginald again 
ventured. 

“Well, that isn’t fully decided either,” Roland 
hastily answered. 

Cora had been enjoying his confusion, and now 
joined in the conversation. “Mr. Dupont seems 
rather vague on all points. Perhaps the dinner is a 
sudden idea, needing time for development and a 
consultation of the club.” 

Roland gave Cora a dark look, but she tossed her 
head and smiled her defiance. 

He then turned to Reginald and remarked in a 
very innocent manner, “ Yes, Miss Cora is right, it 
was a sudden idea. I chanced to meet some of the 
boys on my way up town, and the dinner was pro- 
posed, but we had not time to discuss the details 
then. We shall do so at our next meeting,” and he 
gave Cora a look which said, “ Now, what have you 
got to say to that ? ” 

Cora accepted the challenge and answered, “ I am 
acquainted with a few of your club members. Whom 
did you say you met this morning? They may be 
our mutual acquaintances.” 

“ I mentioned no names, but I hardly think you 
are acquainted with them,” replied Roland, quickly. 

“Under the circumstances, probably not,” retorted 


38 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


Cora, sarcastically, with a direct look at him which 
sent the color to his face. 

The dinner bell sounded and relieved the situa- 
tion. 

“ Come, young people,” exclaimed Mrs. Dale, “ my 
husband will not be home to-day,” as she quietly 
glided out, leaving the young people to follow her. 

Roland was instantly by Eugenia’s side, and as a 
matter of course, Cora was left to Reginald. She 
accepted her position graciously, and commenced to 
charm him. She never missed any opportunity, for 
she often said to herself one never knew what might 
happen. 

Eugenia had been sublimely unconscious of the pas- 
sage-at-arms between Cora and Roland, her mother 
was too unobservant to notice it, and Reginald 
too much absorbed in reflecting on the lecture he 
had heard. They seated themselves at the table, 
and the meal progressed without further clashing. 

Mrs. Dale was one of those home-like little bodies, 
who dispensed her hospitalities without effort or 
ostentation. As Reginald’s friends often remarked, 
“A chop tasted better in her house than truffled 
game elsewhere.” 

Roland had recovered from his embarrassment, 
and enlivened the meal with witty anecdotes and 
humorous comments on the passing events of a busy 
life. Even Cora thawed, and condescended to make 
herself agreeable ; some effort for her, unless she had 
an object in view. 


Eugenia’s home. 


39 


After lunch they retired to the parlor, and 
Reginald entertained them with music. He had a 
capital tenor voice. Mrs. Dale dozed in her easy- 
chair in a corner. Roland and Eugenia stationed 
themselves behind the lace curtains, and imagined 
they were listening to the music, but in reality were 
giving their attention to each other. 

Cora languidly lolled in her chair, with eyes 
vacantly fixed on the piano, and senses thoroughly 
alert to what was passing behind the lace curtains. 
Why had she lost the whole afternoon in unprofit- 
able friendly ttte-a-tete , her motto being, u Never 
make a move without an object in view, if you would 
get on in life ” ? 

This handsome woman was — unknown to herself 
even, then— the devil’s messenger, to sow the “ apple 
of discord ” in a happy home in the future. Could 
he have chosen a surer one ? 



40 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


CHAPTER IV. 

a bohemian’s home. 

Cool September’s balmy breezes fanned the 
languid pulses, unstirred by August heat. The 
chariot wheels of time rolled on, bringing many 
changes in their wake. 

Cora was now quite a personage in her way. Her 
friends were all gentlemen. She detested women 
and declared that they were not to be trusted. To 
exalt the male sex and condemn her own was a 
delicate way that she and many of her kind have 
of flattering the vanity of their admirers. Why will 
hot women stop and consider that to belittle their 
own sex, degrades themselves ! 

Cunning calculation whispered that to have ladies 
among her guests would be to weaken her own 
power, and possibly create a rival for herself, where 
now she reigned supreme. Her companions accepted 
the flattery, and she reigned queen of all. 

General Granger had fallen captive to her charms 5 
and his hope of possessing this, to him, peerless 
woman, ran very high, so much so that she was mis- 
tress of his purse strings — a condition of affairs she 
had not been slow to take advantage of. 


a bohemian’s home. 


41 


To-night she was to give a supper party to gentle- 
men only. Her suite of rooms was arranged with 
due consideration to the object she had in view — 
conquest of one and all. 

The half-light gleamed through tinted globes, the 
soft rose-colored silk hangings gently fluttered to 
and fro, the velvet carpet gave forth no sound of 
footsteps, while the easy-cliairs suggested indolence 
and ease. An aroma of wood violets perfumed the 
rooms, while behind the lace drapery portierre a bed 
stood barely seen smothered in silk and laces. Many 
were the stolen glances cast toward the seclusion of 
that room, while warm blood tingled, intoxicating 
reason. 

Cora reclined in laziness, draped in a soft robe of 
white china silk, neck and arms half-covered only by 
the cobweb lace, while the soft pink skin palpitated 
slowly beneath the diamond star that barely caught 
the lace across the bosom. 

She was smoking a perfumed cigarette, and watch- 
ing the smoke curl upward, the ripe lips parted into 
a smile as the interview with her last victim was re- 
called to memory, and his pledge of never-ending 
love. The diamond hoop, which she twisted around 
and around her finger, recalled the evening he gave 
it to her ; how he offered her his love, and his name, 
both of which she refused ; and how his voice broke, 
and in husky tones, he begged her to accept that 
pledge of a friendship that would never die. The 
pledge she kept, for it had a money value, but she 


42 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


had not much faith in platonic friendship. How- 
ever, she assented, with a smile that left a gleam of 
hope burning still. 

Then her thoughts returned to the present, and 
how after weeks of patient manoeuvring Roland 
Dupont had consented to drop in to an informal little 
tea, as she designated the banquet the old general so 
liberally paid for. 

Roland was engaged to Eugenia now, and the wed- 
ding was shortly to take place. 

The hour approached, the guests began to arrive, 
the general first, of course. He was gotten up for 
the occasion, and had even dyed his moustache, and 
it showed it. He skipped in, in boyish glee, and 
seized Cora’s hand with the ardor of youth, as he 
fondly imagined. She thought how like he looked 
to an elephant at a circus going through his tricks, 
but concealed the thought, and only murmured : 

“ Dear General, you are so good to me ! ” 

He rolled his eyes upward as he flopped on one 

rheumatic knee, murmuring, as he made a spasmodic 

. 

grasp for Cora’s other hand : “ My Queen ! — peer- 

less ! — heart is yours — wealth is yours — ” The last 
important remark caused the black eyes to glitter. 
“ I am yours — when my wife ? ” 

Cora withdrew her hands, and stepping back, 
playfully shook her head. 

“Dear General,” purred she, “ don’t be in a hurry ! 
I am young, you know, and you have promised that 
I shall set the day in my own good time.” A gentle 


43 


A bohemian's home. 

tap of her fan on his worldly worn face, caused a 
suspicion of a blush to hover on the blas6 cheek — or 
was it hot blood rising upwards ? He seized her 
hands again and rained a flood of kisses on the taper 
white fingers covered with rings, trophies from her 
many admirers, his among the rest. 

She was growing weary of this adulation and 
thinking how to extricate herself, when the next 
guest, a son of one of General Granger’s moneyed 
friends, arrived. She glided across the room to re- 
ceive him, glad of any excuse to end the scene ; 
leaving the general with a disappointed scowl on his 
hectic face, to arise and seat himself sulkily in a 
corner arm-chair, and wonder whether he was a fool 
or not. 

The young man, the new arrival, presented his 
offering of white rosebuds and lilies-of-the -valley, to 
the queen of the feast, with an appealing glance ac- 
companying 'his stammering words : 

“ You won’t be of-fen- fen-fended with me for tak- 
ing this lib-lib-liberty, Miss Cora ? ” 

Cora smiled, and raising her eyes to his with a 
melting glance, cooed : 

“Dear Jack, you never forget me, you are one of 
my most valued friends ! ” 

The smile, the glance, the tone, raised Jack to the 
seventh heaven, and he fondly imagined he must be 
the first in her esteem — else why those honeyed 
words ? His gratitude was so great, that he felt 
tempted to acknowledge it in a fitting offering, and 


44 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


wondered how much that bracelet, (the one with a 
diamond anchor setting, for an anchor is the emblem 
of hope), displayed in Tiffany’s window, cost. 

He was about to reply to Cora’s remark by a sen- 
timental declaration of hope, etc., but Cora, with a 
tiny pressure on his arm, glided away to receive an- 
other guest. They arrived fast now, and last of all 
came Roland Dupont. He gazed with a dazed, as- 
tonished air, on all around him. 

4 ‘ Why, Miss Cora, I only expected to meet the 
general at a friendly little tea. I — I — well — I am 
hardly prepared for so elaborate a gathering,” he ex- 
claimed, with hesitation, as a doubt arose in his mind 
whether or not he had mistaken the invitation. 

She looked at him with amusement. She had de- 
coyed him there, and so far the victory was hers. 

44 Surely you are not afraid of your own sex, and 
are not so plebeian as to prefer beer to champagne ! ” 
she replied, in soft insinuating tones that had a slight 
flavor of sarcasm in them. 

44 Of course not — only ” 

44 Only what ? ” she echoed, in a playful tone. 

44 Well, I hardly know,” he replied, frankly. 

44 1 thought so,” she answered, with a low mis- 
chievious laugh and an upward glance of admiration 
from beneath the long black lashes that shaded those 
seductive eyes — eyes that lured men on to financial 
ruin, eyes that spoke of a world of love and passion, 
slumbering like a volcano beneath the crust of de- 


corum. 


A bohemian’s home. 


45 


“ Come and discuss stocks with the general,” she 
continued, gently, taking him by the arm and draw- 
ing him across the room to where the general was 
growling to himself. 

“ Here, dear General,” she exclaimed, placing her 
hand on the general’s shoulder and smiling into his 
face, “I have brought you a gentleman of sense.” — 
As she uttered the word “ sense ” she gazed full into 
Roland’s face, with a look of sincere admiration. — 
“ Now discuss your favorite subject with him. You 
see, I always think of you, you dear, old bear!” Her 
tone was so full of affection as she called the general 
a u bear ” and chucked him under the chin, that he 
decided to take it as a compliment. 

Roland’s self-esteem had also been flattered, so 
both were in good humor. Cora excused herself and 
turned to say a few words of greeting to the others. 

Supper was finally announced. Jack offered his 
arm to conduct the fair hostess to the supper-room. 
She pretended not to see it, but turning to Roland 
who was standing near by irresolute, dropped her 
handkerchief as if by accident. His natural gallant- 
ry prompted him to pick it up — as he was expected 
to do, and as she intended. As he politely returned 
it with a bow, he offered his arm, which was accepted 
with a soft “ thank you.” 

As she was about to leave the room, she caught 
sight of the general with a dark scowl on his face, 
and thinking it most wise to conciliate him, begged 
Roland to excuse her a moment and crossed to where 


46 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


the general stood. She pressed his arm and mur- 
mured : 

“Dear General, some day I will remember my 
promise and be all your own. To-night I am only 
the hostess.” 

Her manner restored him to good temper, and he 
nodded approval, and ambled off alone. 

Cora joined Roland again, and they filed into the 
supper-room. The banquet was laid for ten in a 
parlor, adjoining Cora’s suite of rooms. 

The well-trained waiters commenced their tasks, 
and the champagne corks began to pop. Time flew, 
and song and revelry went forth on the still night. 
Senses were intoxicated, obligations were forgotten, 
duty a name to sneer at. 

Only one magnet attracted — the cool-headed, 
scheming woman, with her lustrous eyes, ruby lips 
and perfumed laces, seated at the head of the table, 
smiling her seductive smile at the folly of her slaves. 

Jack had had too much wine, and it was beginning 
to tell on him , so after blinking at Cora with a sick- 
calf expression, he wanted to sing for her, and arose 
to burst into song with : “ Come where my 1-1- 

love lies dre-dre-dreaming — ” but was hushed by 
a remark from his neighbor , that it would not be 
proper. The company laughed heartily, which took 
the inspiration all out of poor Jack, and he meekly 
sat down again. 

Cora seeing his discomfiture, and assuring herself 
that the general was oblivious of everything but the 


47 


a bohemian’s home. 

viands before him, passed her hand surreptitiously to 
Jack with a sympathetic glance. He seized it eagerly 
and imprinted a kiss upon it, whereupon she hastily 
drew it away with a pout, calling him a “ naughty 
boy.” 

Another admirer proposed a toast, and rising, with 
glass poised in the air, first recited three stanzas of 
impromptu verse, setting forth Cora’s charms, to all 
of which she smiled her approbation. Then pro- 
claiming the sentiment, every glass was elevated, 
some at an angle of forty-five degrees, allowing the 
sparkling wine to drip over the side of the glass, 
and fall upon the snowy linen on the table. Jack 
held his glass with the most unsteady fingers, and 
the liquor swiftly ran down his cuff. 

“To the Queen among women,” was proposed. 
All bowed to Cora, and every glass was drained to 
the dregs. Cora arose to acknowledge the sentiment 
and assure them “ how happy she felt to see their 
friendly faces around her,” and she gave to each one 
a hurried glance, till her eyes rested on Roland 
Dupont, conveying a meaning of reproach that he 
alone failed to appreciate her worth. He dropped 
his eyes. She then continued to tell them, “ how 
their friendship was the jewel in her crown of life, 
and how she looked forward to these pleasant little 
gatherings as the only incentive to existence.” They 
quite agreed with her, of course, and she raised her 
glass and proprosed the sentiment “ To lasting friend- 
ship.” 


% 


48 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


They took up theory “ To lasting friendship,” and 
every glass was drained again. They were wander- 
ing from the boarder-land of sound sense, and pass- 
ing into the realms of maudlin affection and idiocy. 

The champagne had mounted to Roland’s head 
also, and he rapidly became like the rest, her puppet 
of the hour. 

Cora now thought it advisable to absent herself 
for a while, and allow them to recover from their 
sentimental daze ; so under the plea of a slight head- 
ache she arose from the table, and begged the favor 
of Roland’s arm, which he presented with alacrity, 
and was rewarded with a grateful smile. 

As they passed to the reception-room he bent 
over her with honeyed compliments, and his hand 
caressed the soft white arm. She leaned toward him 
as they seated themselves in the now deserted re- 
ception-room. He forgot all, as others had done 
before him, enslaved by the enervating intoxication 
of a woman. 

The general had drank himself into imbecility, and 
was now airing his views to his colleagues, in a very 
loud manner, in the dining-room. Jack, who had 
fallen asleep with his head on the table, was aroused 
by his friends, hustled out of the house and into a 
carriage, and the driver ordered to take him home. 
The remaining guests quieted down. By the time 

Cora returned she found them very sedate. 

✓ 

Roland had become so absorbed in Cora’s brilliant 
conversation, that he had forgotten time and place ; 


A BOHEMIAN S HOME. 49 

and when she suggested that he might smoke, at the 
same time handing him a good Havanna, he beamed 
upon her. As she turned for a match, he prevented 
her by drawing her back into her chair, at the same 
time remarking that he was already provided, and 
took his own match case from his pocket. It was a 
little golden toy given him by Eugenia, with the in- 
scription on it u In you I trust.” He read it and it 
seemed to awake him from his dream of seductive 
intoxication. He drew his hand across his brow, 
seized his hat, and coldly turning to Cora, said, “ I 
beg you will excuse me for to-night, I can remain no 
longer.” 

Without waiting for a reply, he bounded down the 
stairs and out into the cool night air, leaving Cora 
transfixed with astonishment and anger. 

What, to be balked of her prey just on the eve 
of success ! It was too much ! She stamped her 
foot, and exclaimed aloud : “ Fool, you have given 

me more trouble than all the rest ; but you have chal- 
lenged my power, and you shall feel it yet ! You 
are not worth my trouble, but I will have you, if 
only to avenge this insult ! ” 

She stood undecided a moment, then murmurs 
from the dining-room reaching her, recalled her to a 
sense of duty as a hostess ; so going to the mirror 
she gave a hasty glance, settled her features into 
their usual placid look, and crossed the hall to join 
the others. 

When Roland found himself on the pavement, 

4 


50 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


with the cool breeze tanning his hot face and cooling 
the fever in his veins, he reverently took off his hat 
and raised his eyes to the stars. They reminded 
him of Eugenia, and he exclaimed : “ Eugenia, 

pure and spotless as the angels, forgive me this 
night’s rash folly, and as I deal with you in the 
future, may God so deal with me ! ” 

He gave another look at the house he had just 
left. The lights blazed forth, and a shadow crossed 
the white window-shade causing him to shake his 
fist and exclaim : “ That she devil ! She would 

drive a man to hell ! ” He put on his hat and walk- 
ed rapidly away. 


THE WEDDING. 


51 


CHAPTER V. 

THE WEDDING. 

The pretty cottage on 100th Street was in festal 
attire. Light gleamed from every window. The 
perfume of flowers was almost stifling. Over the 
door leading to the hall was an arch of roses, and at 
the lower end of the parlor hung a bell of myrtle. 
It was Eugenia’s wedding night, and her friends 
were gathered to do her honor, and witness the cere- 
mony that made her Roland Dupont’s wife. 

Cora, arrayed in rose-colored silk, and accompan- 
ied by her crusty intended, the general, was among 
the guests. Of late her intimacy with Eugenia had 
been growing cool ; not on Eugenia’s part, but on 
Cora’s, who found she had no time to devote to un- 
profitable friendship. 

To-night she was there, like a bird of ill-omen, as 
Roland thought ; but he dared not speak to Eugenia 
about her friend, for he knew she would open her big 
eyes in innocent astonishment, and ask him what he 
meant. After they were married he would tell her 
all! All? — well, not quite all , but enough for her 
to know, and forbid the continuance of the acquaint- 
ance. To-night he must make the best of it, al- 


52 FASHIONABLE SINS. 

though it recalled a recollection he would fain for- 
get. 

The wedding presents were displayed on the piano, 
and many were the nods and smiles in that direction, 
from the whispering groups. There was the usual 
number of silver fruit dishes, a couple of butter 
dishes, spoons, castors, and the common table fit- 
tings ; there were a few little souvenirs of uncom- 
mon style and design, but originality is usually sad- 
ly wanting in the selection of wedding gifts. The 
name of the donor was attached to each gift, and 
there was quite a competition for approbation — ap- 
probation, the sweetest offering on the altar of 
vanity. 

Mr. and Mrs. Dale quietly greeted each guest. 
Mrs. Dale looked pale and sorrowful, in her plain 
black-velvet dress. The old white-haired minister, 
who took Eugenia from her mother’s arms at the 
baptismal font, when she was a wee baby, was there 
again to perform his office, and give that baby, a wo- 
man now, to the man she loved. 

The bridal hour struck. Roland went up-stairs to 
meet his bride and conduct her to the parlor. She 
came forth, a vision of spotless purity in her snowy 
satin robes, with white veil and orange blossoms ; 
followed by her two friends, who had been her dress- 
ing maids on that occasion. 

As Roland handed her to the stairs he stooped and 
whispered : 

“ Eugenia, you trust me ? ” 



THE WEDDING* 


53 


The pure eyes were raised to his as she answered : 
“ With my life ! I am yours forever, in this world 
and in the world to come ! ” 

For answer he stooped and kissed the upturned 
lips. As she hung on his arm, a shadow crossed his 
face, and memory went back to his tainted past, but 
he thought that was over now. 

It is man’s nature to pluck the purest, sweetest 
blossom, even should it wither and die in the fetid 
atmosphere of a festering sin, repented for a time, 
resumed when fickle fancy tires of monotony. 

The little marriage party took their places, and 
the old minister performed the solemn service that 
bound them man and wife. Over Eugenia’s face a 
rapt expression of divine meaning hovered, and her 
heart responded to the sacred vows. Roland’s face 
was impassive. To him, it was but a ceremony. 
Mrs. Dale’s face was smothered in her handkerchief, 
and tears thick and fast were falling. 

“I pronounce you man and wife ! ” 

It was over. The minister kissed the girl he had 
watched from the baby toddling in short frocks grow 
to a noble woman, and spoke words of hope and en- 
couragement to the couple about to begin their new 
life together. Eugenia, hearing audible sobs, turned 
and threw her arms around her mother’s neck, say- 
ing : 

“ Don’t cry, dear mamma.” 

“ How can I help it,” exclaimed Mrs. Dale, “when 
I have lost the light of my home ? ” 


54 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


44 No, darling mamma, you have not lost a daugh- 
ter, you have only gained a son ! See, you are richer 
than you thought. Look up and smile — Roland will 
think you are angry at him.” 

Mrs. Dale extended her hand to Roland, and smil- 
ed at him through the glistening tears. Eugenia 
was pressed to the heart of father and brother, and 
loving wishes were expressed. Then the general 
congratulations took place, and Roland was separated 
from Eugenia for a moment by the press of friends 
around her. 

Cora, who had not felt the slightest interest in 
this simple little wedding, more than to be annoyed 
at Roland’s supreme indifference to herself, now saw 
her opportunity, and seized it. She crossed the room 
to where he stood apart from the rest, and lightly 
touching his arm, held out her hand, glancing with 
an appealing look of contrition into his face. 

44 Mr. Dupont,” she murmured, “ won’t you ac- 
cept my congratulations also ? ” 

He had not seen her since that eventful night, 
and her near presence recalled it to him with vivid 
unpleasantness. He pretended not to see the out- 
stretched hand, and turning away coldly, answered : 
44 Thank you.” 

44 What, you refuse my hand ! ” she replied in a 
tremulous voice, which she, clever actress as she was, 
could assume as the humor suited her. 

He was still unyielding. She dropped her eyes to 
hide the anger and contempt she knew must flash 


THE WEDDING. 


55 


from them, her voice being under better control. She 
again spoke in penitent husky tones: 

“ What have I done that you regard me with such 
horror ? I am not an angel of goodness, like Eu- 
genia, but I have committed no crime. In our school- 
days I was her friend. Let me be so still ! ” 

“No,” answered Roland, fervidly, “your world is 
not her world ! ” 

“ True,” she replied, meekly, “ but she need not 
enter my world. My friendship will not pollute 
her.” 

“ I am not so sure of that,” he answered, doubt- 
fully. 

“ For shame, sir ! Of what do you accuse me ? 
Give it a name ! ” and her voice this time was husky 
with suppressed anger as she looked him squarely in 
the face. 

He winced beneath the look, and sneered, “ Ad- 
venturess ! ” 

“ It is a lie ! ” she hissed. “ Recall the word ! I 
am the affianced bride of General Granger. Utter 
another word like the last and I will appeal to him and 
leave this house ; but before doing so I shall say to 
Mr. and Mrs. Dale, I have been insulted by their new 
made son-in-law, who has failed to respect the place, 
the time, and his wedding guests !” 

“ Hush ! ” he answered, as he turned toward her, 
and taking her hand, drew her further from the 
crowd. “ See, we are already observed,” he con- 
tinued, as one purring tabby with a large bump of 


56 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


inquisitiveness and a relish for scandal, who had been 
watching them, with a pair of gold -bowed glasses 
perched on her nose, and her ears well open to catch 
any word that might penetrate that far, began to 
glide nearer to them, when she felt she could do so 
unobserved ; but her intentions were baffled by a 
friend who seized her and claimed her attention to ad- 

m 

mire the gifts. 44 They are so lovely ! ” she said, and 
tabby walked away with her friend. 

Roland then resumed the conversation : 44 1 stand 
corrected, this is no time or place for recriminating.” 

44 You will allow me to continue my acquaintance 
with Eugenia? ” 

44 No!” he answered, decidedly. 

44 Take care, Roland Dupont ! Refuse me and I 
will go to Eugenia. I will tell her what the world 
we live in is like,” and her voice assumed a threaten- 
ing tone as she proceeded : 44 1 will open her unso- 
phisticated eyes to the lives men live before they 
marry.” 

44 You would not dare,” he replied. 

44 1 would dare anything ! ” she answered, with a 
toss of her head. 44 Cora Valentine never knew the 
meaning of the word 4 fear,’ ” and she laughed a low 
scornful chuckle. 

44 Miss Valentine, I ask as a favor, do not call on 
Eugenia!” he entreated. 

44 Mr. Dupont, I am fond of her, and refuse to cut 
her, even at her husband’s bidding,” she answered, 
with a bow of mock deference. 


THE WEDDING. 


57 


“ You insist ? ” he replied, with anxiety. 

“ 1 insist ! which shall it be, friend or foe ? ” she 
firmly questioned. 

“ Our tete-a-tete is causing observation. Make 
your calls few and far between/’ and he curtly walk- 
ed away to where Eugenia was blushingly standing 
in the midst of her friends. 

The gathered knot of friends made way for him, 
as they poured a flood of compliments into his ear, 
which smoothed away the frown upon his brow ; and 
it was with an air of pride and happiness that he 
placed Eugenia’s little gloved hand within his arm, 
and bending over her whispered one of those sweet 
remarks, meant only for a lover’s ear. She blushed, 
and a happy fond look stole over her face as she 
raised it timidly to his. 

Cora watched him with vengeance gleaming be- 
neath the half-closed lids, and a feeling of contempt- 
uous pity for Eugenia’s innocence, curled her lip. 
She started as the general laid his hand upon her 
arm, and turning abruptly, demanded to be taken 
home, shocking the general by flippantly remarking 
that she had “ seen enough of this farce.” 

“ Hump ! — can’t — not polite —supper — insult — 
bride,” he answered, as he shook his head decid- 
edly. He was just beginning to get an appetite, and 
was not inclined to miss the supper. 

“Very well then, let us honor the bride at her 
marriage feast ! ” Cora said, with a sneer in her voice. 

The signal for supper was given, they followed the 


58 FASHIONABLE SINS. 

rest, and cook part in the finish of this little domes* 
tic scene, where nothing stronger than coffee graced 
the board, and toasts were given and responded to 
in that mild beverage, lemonade. 

Cora was disgusted, and glad when it was over 
and the bride in her traveling dress was handed down 
to the carriage by her new made husband, and 
driven away amid showers of old slippers, rice, and 
all the ceremony that is supposed by the supersti- 
tious to bring luck to a bride. 

Cora then bid a brief good-night to Eugenia’s 
parents, and followed by the general, hurridly en- 
tered her own carriage, and in a very unsatisfactory 
frame of mind was driven home. 

The remaining party of friends rapidly took their 
leave, and the Dale family were alone. Mrs. Dale 
gathered up the crushed and fallen flowers, and ten- 
derly laid them away. The myrtle bell ! Oh, what 
memories it revived ! The day, long years ago, when 
a girlish head, so like Eugenia’s, stood beneath just 
such another bell, and spoke the same vows. That 
head was sprinkled with threads of silver now, the 
lover’s head was white, but the heart was just the 
same, tender, kind and true. 

Mrs. Dale glanced up. Her husband was watch- 
ing her, and reading the passing thoughts. He came 
to her, and placing his arm about her waist, whispered : 
“ You. have never repented it, dear wife ? ” 

“ Never, and I only pray our darling may be as 
blest as I have been ! ” 


THE WEDDING. 


59 


He reverently kissed her forehead, and the middle- 
aged couple blushed like boy and girl at the caress 
and the memories it invoked. They left the room 
arm in arm and visited Eugenia’s vacant chamber, 
and there, kneeling by her bed, together asked a 
blessing on her absent head. 

Oh, that we might smooth the rugged way for feet 
we so dearly love ! 


60 


Fashionable sins. 


CHAPTER VI. 

THE SPIDER’S WEB. 

Eugenia had been settled in her new home, a 
pretty flat, some time now. The fat canary occupied 
a prominent position by the window, but for fear he 
should be lonely, she had provided him with a mate, 
over whom he tyrannized with genuine masculine 
relish. He would chatter all day, and ruffle his 
feathers, when the poor little mate got too frisky ; 
and if she attempted a song, Billy would assume at 
once a pugilistic attitude with his wings, and fly at 
her. Poor little mate! her life was one of suppres- 
sion, and Billy was absolute master. 

Eugenia was very happy in those days. Roland 
was very kind, and so was Cora. The latter had 
been quite devoted * to Eugenia’s interests, calling 
every few days, and insisting upon Eugenia’s accept- 
ing some trifling present, usually forgotten and left 
home. Then Roland was requested to call for it, on 
his way home from his office. 

Roland was rapidly overcoming his prejudice to 
Cora. “ For after all,” said he to himself, u she does 
no absolute wrong, and if her intended husband is 
satisfied to shower gifts upon her and wink at her 


THE SPIDER’S WEB. 


61 


little flirtations, it is nobody’s business but his 
own,’’ so in this way the fault was glossed over. 

Reginald had taken orders and was in charge of a 
small flock in an unpretentious chapel on the out- 
skirts of the city. Eugenia and her husband attended 
regularly. Roland had been known to yawn during 
service, but she never noticed it, so concentrated was 
her attention upon her brother. 

Cora dragged the poor general there to service fre- 
quently, but he usually settled back in his pew and 
slept ; and now and then a fly would light on his bald 
head, and then he would fidget and choke, and his 
fat face would turn red. Once he had been heard to 
snore ; but Cora was now prepared for this emer- 
gency, and at the first symptom, would pinch his 
arm. 

She, herself, pretended a devotion she was far from 
feeling ; but it was good form to go to church. Ro- 
land Dupont approved it, so for the time being she 
was a devotee. 

Service over, the friends gathered in the little 
porch to give each other a Sunday greeting, and 
speak a few words of well deserved praise to Regi- 
nald. 

Poor Mrs. Dale seldom attended now on account 
of failing health, and her husband remained by her 
side. 

“ O, by the way, Roland,” Cora would remark, 
for it was Roland and Cora now; since Eugenia 
called them so, it was natural to lapse into the 


62 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


familiarity toward each other ; “ I have a new book 
for Eugenia. Will you call to-morrow and get it?” 

“Why, of course he will, won’t you dear?” Eu- 
genia would assert. 

“Certainly, with pleasure,” he would answer. 

“I will be at home at five,” continued Cora. 
“ Call about that time.” 

With general hand shake, and abrupt monosylla- 
bles from the general, the group separated and went 
their several ways. 

Eugenia went to make her usual call on mamma, 
and tell her how kind Roland was, and how much 
they loved each other. Then the faded eyes would 
light up, and the thin cold hands press the warm 
ones of the child she loved so well. 

“ O, mamma, you look better to-day,” Eugenia 
would always encouragingly say, after a warm and 
loving embrace. 

It was only a false hope, for the invalid was drift- 
ing down the stream of life, and was very near that 
open sea, which empties into an unknown eternity. 

“ Yes, child, let us think so,” the mother always 
replied. Why cloud the life of her dear one, sooner 
than necessary, she thought. 

Mr. Dale was a silent, undemonstrative man, but 
always kind and attentive ; and Eugenia loved him, 
but not with the strong and twining affection she 
had for her mother. 

Roland usually yawned Sunday away behind a 
newspaper, after church. 


THE SPIDER’S WEB. 


63 


Cora and the general went for a drive, then to an 
elaborate dinner, after which Cora would settle her- 
self for the evening, her feet elevated on a chair, a 
stand by her side, on which stood her iced cham- 
pagne and cigarettes ; and with an exhilarating 
French novel in her hand, she took, what she called, 
comfort. 

The general sat near, with his paper in hand ; up- 
side down, half the time, content to worship silently 
at the shrine of his divinity. Once in a while he 
would burst forth : • “ Lovely woman — adore — mine — 
cruel girl — marriage — so far ! ” 

Cora would shrug her shoulders and say : 44 O, 
General, don’t ! you annoy me, and this book is so 
interesting ! ” 

Then he would lapse into silent adoration again. 

* * * * ■* 

Monday came, and with it Roland, punctual at 
five. 

Cora looked her best, arrayed in a cardinal-plush 
gown, that fell back from the shapely arms, and ex- 
posed the perfect throat and a faint suggestion of 
snowy bust. As he entered the room her face grew 

animated and she went to meet him. 

* • 

“Ah, Roland, so you have come for the book?” 
she murmured. “Sit beside the fire,” drawing the 
most comfortable chair before the dancing flames. 

He was about to decline the proffered hospitality, 
but the room looked so very inviting and its mistress 


64 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


so strikingly handsome and attractive to-day, that 
he changed his mind and accepted. 

“Very well, as you please,” taking the offered 
chair with a smile. 

Cora opened a box and handed him a choice Ha- 
vanna. She always had them on hand. 

“I know you love a good cigar,” she said, coquet- 
tishly. 

“Thanks, but I am in a 'hurry to-night,” he re- 
plied, at the same time accepting the offered cigar. 

“ Surely, you can spare time to smoke one cigar ? ” 

The pleading look, the comfortable room with its 
gorgeous coloring, won the day. 

“ Well, just one,” he laughingly answered. 

“I thought so,” replied Cora, with her soft coo- 
ing laugh. 

She handed him the cigar, and as she did so, her 
hand touched his shoulder. 

^ Why, it’s raining ! Your coat is wet. You will 
take cold,” she said, in tones of great concern. 

“No, it’s nothing to speak of, and I am going in a 
moment,” he answered. 

“Please let me dry your coat! You will get 
pneumonia, and then what will Eugenia say to me for 
allowing you to run such a risk ? ” and she playfully 
removed his overcoat. He gently resisted at first, 
but what man can do that long when a fair woman 
tempts ? 

“Well, do as you like.” 

He ceased to resist, and settled back in the big arm- 


THE SPIDER’S WEB. 


65 - 

chair. It was so charming to be petted and fussed 
over ! Eugenia petted him ; but then, her petting 
was like the caress of a mother to her child, while 
this woman intoxicated and set one’s blood on fire — 
a dangerous sensation, but one hard to resist. 

Cora moved her chair nearer to him. Then com- 
menced a friendly chat, which grew more personal as 
it proceeded. He told her all about his business. 
She seemed to understand him better than his wife, 
so why bother Eugenia with this uninteresting de- 
tail. Cora questioned, Roland answered. So kind 
of her to be interested in his affairs, he thought. 
At last he drew from his pocket a case, and opened 
it, saying: 

“ See, I have a little present for Eugenia. Do you 
think she will like it ? V/ 

It was a tiny diamond crescent on a spiral spring, 
for the hair. Cora looked at it, then at him. 

“ Roland, you are a good husband. I would give 
the world to be as fortunate as your wife ; but no, I 
never shall ! ” with a sigh, as her hand impercepti- 
bly dropped and rested upon his. 

“ But the general is kind to you?” he inquired, 
with newly awakened concern. 

“ O yes, so am I kind to my dog,” with a curl on 
her red lips ; “ but there is no affinity between us,” 
she ended with a dreamy look on her face and a lialf- 
stiffled sigh. 

His hand closed over hers, and he gazed into the 
black eyes, to read the soul that spoke through them 

5 


66 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


in vain. They were under Cora’s control, and spoke 
only at her bidding. After a pause he ventured to 
remark : 

44 You would be happier with a different man.” 

44 Oh, so much happier ! ” and she gave him an 
eloquent look. 

44 What would you have him like ? ” he half- 
whispered, bending nearer to her. He knew the 
answer, but wished to hear it from her lips. 

44 Like you, Roland, in everything.” 

His hand pressed hers, and she returned the pres- 
sure. Then she raised her eyes to his face, with a 
simple childish look of trust that touched his vanity ; 
then casting them down she timidly explained, for 
Cora was a perfect actress and could master all emo- 
tions. 

44 You asked me a straight-forward question. For- 
give me if the answer was too candid ! ” She placed 
her other hand on his shoulder with a confiding little 
air, and after a pause picked up the diamond cres- 
cent and toyed with it. 

He was undecided a moment, then looking into 
Cora’s face asked : 

44 You like it ? ” 

44 It is exquisite! What charming taste you 
have ?” she replied. 

His vanity was more and more flattered, and he 
said : 

44 Will you accept it from me? ” 

44 Oh, no ! I would not dream of robbing 


THE SPIDER’S WEB. 


67 


Eugenia,” with a reluctant little gesture, as she drew 
back. 

“ But I can get her another,” he answered, quickly. 

“No, Eugenia would be displeased,” she replied. 
“Women are so selfish, you know, they want all 
themselves,” with a tender glance. 

“We will not speak of it,” he hastily added, “we 
will call it the seal of our friendship.” 

“ My dear brother, for such you will ever be to 
me ! ” she replied, warmly. Then she X-daced the 
diamond crescent in the bosom of her dress, with a 
little air of pleased pride, as she rewarded him with 
another grateful smile. 

“ Then let me claim a brother’s privilege,” and 
raising her willing face to his, he pressed his 
moustache to her ruby lips. 

The barrier was passed, the chasm was yawming. 
Memory grew dim, the present became an Eden of 
bliss. Confidences were exchanged, eternal friend- 
ship sworn to — platonic , of course. Then with his 
arm around her waist, her head on his shoulder, lie 
gave her a long clinging kiss, like a bee taking the 
honey from the heart of a flower. 

False love is a plant of rapid growth. It takes 
root in infatuation, and is kept alive by the flames of 
passion. 

At that moment the general entered. He had 
knocked at the door several times, but receiving no 
answer, and hearing voices, opened it. 

He stood transfixed at the tableau. The purple 


68 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


blood mounted to his face, his fingers opened and 
closed, and he made a bound for Roland, while the 
word “ villain ! ” issued from between his closed 
teeth. 

The guilty couple hastily separated and stood in 
silent confusion. Cora recovered her self-command 
first, and stepping forward, threw out her arm to bar 
the way. 

“ General, be calm ! ” she commanded. “ What 
would you do ? You have lost your head ! ” 

His bloodshot eyes worked wildly, the cords in 
his neck swelled nigh unto bursting. 

Roland stood silent in guilty confusion, spell- 
bound. 

The general made another dash to throw aside the 
outstretched arm. Crying, “ I will kill him, stand 
aside ! ” he threw out his arms with a sweeping 
gesture to clear the passage. But the strain had 
been too much for *him, and he fell backward, a 
writhing mass of swollen, purple humanity. 

This recalled the guilty pair to their senses, and 
the love episode was forgotten for the moment in the 
dangers of the present. Roland hurried away to 
secure medical aid, while Cora summoned assistance 
to place the general on a couch and help relieve his 
sufferings as best they might till the doctor arrived. 


GATHERING CLOUDS. 


69 


CHAPTER VII. 

GATHERING CLOUDS. 

Winter had nearly spent itself, and spring breezes 
were beginning to stir the budding twigs. The win- 
dows, of Eugenia’s little home were open to let in 
the balmy air, and Billy and his mate were chirping 
to their wild feathered friends in the branches out- 
side. 

The mistress, dressed in a soft cashmere robe, was 
waiting breakfast for her lord. He came at last, with 
a wearied, dissatisfied expression on his face. 

“ How late you are, dear ! ” Eugenia pleasantly 
remarked. 

“ I don’t know that there is any particular hurry, 
is there ? ” he replied, in short curt tones. 

Eugenia looked up surprised, and the corners of 
her sensitive mouth quivered. They were the first 
sharp words he had ever given her. He realized it, 
and his annoyance increased. He was sore with 
himself, and it is human nature to vent it on some 
one else. 

“ Of course not, dear,” she answered, mildly. 

Breakfast then proceeded. Both were troubled, 
and neither could eat. At last Eugenia asked : 


70 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


44 Did you stop at Cora’s for my book last night ? 
You came home so late, I did not ask you.” 

A guilty look stole over his face, and he purposely 
misconstrued her meaning. 

64 So you are beginning to find fault if I stop out a 
few minutes later than usual ? It is like you women, 
if a man is not eternally tied to your apron strings ; 
but I thought you had more sense than most of 
them,” he answered, pettishly, as he slammed his 
knife and fork on the table. 

Eugenia made no reply, but the injustice of the re- 
mark stung her, and she quietly left the room. Once 
in her own room, the tears flowed fast. 

A little later, ashamed of his brutal words, he fol- 
lowed her. 

44 Eugenia, I am a brute!” he said, in penitent 
tones. 44 Forgive me ! I am worried and don’t know 
what I am saying.” He stooped and coldly kissed 
the pale pure brow. 

There are three kinds of kisses — the cold kiss of 
duty, the warm kiss of affection, and the clinging 
kiss of passion ; and each speak a language more 
eloquent than words, to one who has comprehension 
to understand it. 

Roland’s was the kiss of duty. Eugenia forgave 
him instantly, as all good women do the man who 
wounds them. 

44 You are worried, dear, about what ? ” she inquir- 
ed, gently. 

44 Oh, business, of course,” he answered, shortly. 


&ATHEKING CLOUDS. 


71 


u Won't you tell me ? ” she asked, persuasively. 

“ You wouldn’t understand, so what is the good of 
my explaining a lot of dry details ? ” he replied, in 
an off-hand manner. 

She said no more, but casting her eyes toward the 
window, wondered what had come over Roland, he 
was never like this before. 

He remained standing, awkwardly staring at her, 
and at last ventured to conciliate her by suggesting : 

“ Come, be a good girl, go down and attend to your 
birds and flowers.” He waited for her to speak, but 
as she was still silent, he continued : “ I will be home 
early to-night, and take you to the theatre.” 

She did not speak, but continued to gaze thought- 
fully out of the window. 

“ Don't you want to go ? ” he inquired, in an in- 
jured tone. 

“ Yes, dear,” she replied, meekly. 

“ Go around and see your mother, the air will do 
you good,” he suggested. 

“ I think I will call at Cora’s for the book she 
promised me,” she answered, thoughtfully. 

He gnawed his moustache. “ Seems to me you are 
forever racing down to Cora’s ! Can’t you stay home 
some of the time ?” he fretfully asked. 

“ I will stay home, if you wish it,” she replied, in 
a grieved tone, not comprehending his mood. 

“No! go out by all means, but don’t be quite so 
intimate with Cora. I don’t altogether like her,” he 
remarked, as he turned his face away. 


72 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


She looked at him in astonishment, but he did not 
meet her gaze ; instead, he pulled a penknife from 
his pocket and began to cut his nails. 

“You don’t like her?” repeated she, in wonder. 
“ Why ? ” 

“I don’t know why. Must a man always give a 
reason for every impression he has ? ” he petulantly 
exclaimed. 

“Very well, dear. Do you wish me to be ‘not at 
home ’ when next she calls ? ” asked Eugenia, hoping 
to please him. 

“ Certainly not,” he answered, annoyed. “ You 
women always carry things to extremes.” 

“Will you tell me, dear, exactly what you want 
me to do ? I would so love to obey you if I only 
knew how,” questioned Eugenia. 

This gentle speech rebuked the man whose coward 
conscience had been nagging at him for the last 
hour. He could stand no more, and left the room, 
saying: “Do as you damn please ! ” He seized his 
hat and rushed from the house, slamming the door 
behind him. 

Eugenia was petrified with surprise. What had 
come over Roland ? Had she offended him ? What 
had she said ? She could think of nothing, and yet 
he was so strange ! She had never seen him in this 
mood before. He had always been kind and tender. 
It never dawned upon her to look for a woman as 
the cause, the ferret that was undermining love ; a 
cunning woman, working with the skill and patience 
of a ferret. 


GATHERING CLOUDS. 


73 


Passion is stronger than love, and a man is a slave 
to his passions. She who pampers to them holds him 
in an iron grasp, while she who seeks to hold him by 
honest love alone, often awakes to find she has held 
a lion in cheek by a silken cord. 

Should she go after him and tell him she was 
sorry ? Sorry ! for what ? 

With heavy heart she went about her daily rou- 
tine. The hard lesson was yet to learn — that the ob- 
ject, once obtained, no matter how coveted, loses the 
value it possessed when it was surrounded by the 
charm of doubt and uncertainty. 

Roland arrived at his office angry with himself and 
the world in general ; but excusing himself, by think- 
ing that Eugenia was so childlike she tired him. It 
was very pretty in a maid, but dreadful wearisome 
in a wife 

When a man excuses himself for a folly, he does 
so by picking flaws in the being he has wronged. 

“ Cora seems to understand all by intuition. It 
is much easier to talk to her,” he argued to him- 
self. “ Poor Cora ! ” he thought. “ How will she 
smooth matters to the general? ” who now lay fight- 
ing death on that tempting lacey bed. 

There was no need of an explanation that night, 
for the general was unconscious when the doctor 
arrived, and pronounced it apoplexy. They had 
lifted him tenderly to the bed, and Cora had con- 
stituted herself nurse. 

Roland decided he would just drop a note to her 


74 FASHIONABLE SINS. 

and inquire into the general’s condition. So calling 
a message boy, he despatched it and waited his 
answer with impatience, walking the floor, chewing 
his cigar into bits and mumbling to himself. 

It came at last, these words : 

“ Better keep away and leave all to me. 

“ C.” 

He locked away the letter, Cora’s first confidential 
note. The first false step had been taken. How 
easy the rest follow, only sequals ! Beware of the 
first, it is easier to prevent than retrace. 


the explanation. 


75 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE EXPLANATION. 

By slow and tedious process, the old general strug- 
gled back to life. As he lay in the luxurious room 
— for Cora had given up to him her apartment, the 
doctor having forbidden him to be moved for fear of 
a relapse — he had done a great deal of thinking. 

Was it right for him to take advantage of this 
girl’s comparative poverty and buy her with his 
wealth ? She had nobody in the world but him to 
rely on, and had already made deep inroads into the 
small fortune her father left her. But on the other 
hand, what could he do ? She was so beautiful, so 
seductive, he could not dream of letting her drift 
alone, and stem the current of public criticism. She 
must have a protector, it was evident ; and he knew 
of no way to provide for her, without bringing 
down upon her the world’s scorn, but to marry her. 
Did she love the man on whose breast she lay, 
when he so suddenly came upon them ? He hoped 
not ; but then, what was the meaning of that scene ? 
Roland Dupont was already married, so to abdicate 
in his favor would be but to disgrace the woman 
whose father had trusted her future to his care. 


76 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


The puzzled expression would linger on the old 
man’s face, as he watched Cora glide from room to 
room. She had been very kind and attentive to him, 
but neither of them had mentioned that memorable 
day. 

Did Cora repent ? No ! She only argued with 
herself, it would never do to u kill the goose that laid 
the golden eggs.” She must fix matters some way, 
and erase the impression she had left on the general’s 
mind. She looked toward the bed, and gently said : 

44 General, the doctor says you can sit up to-day.” 

46 Yes — going home — order carriage — valet dress 
me,” he grunted. 

44 Your valet shall dress you, of course. But why 
leave so soon ? Are you not comfortable ? Have I 
not been a good nurse ? ” asked Cora, softly. 

44 Yes ! — yes ! all that — home — too much style- 
lace — ” and he waved his hand toward the hanging 
laces with impatience. 46 Can’t breathe — well enough 
— woman — no good — man — go home — John ! dress,” 
speaking in the fretful tone of an invalid. 

44 Your master wishes you to dress him, John,” 
spoke Cora, as she turned to the valet. 44 1 will re- 
turn presently,” and she glided quietly away to her 
temporary apartment, there to think over the situa- 
tion. 

What would the general say? That he would 
ask an explanation before he left the house, she felt 
sure. How would she answer? Her inventive 
genius seemed to have deserted her entirely. She 


THE EXPLANATIO-T. 


11 


framed several very lame stories, but saw for herself 

* 

that they would not deceive a child. 

She went to the glass. “ Yes, I am beautiful, in a 
style men love to adore. I will trust to personal at- 
traction once more,” and a satisfied look settled on 
her features. 

John came to tell her that his master was ready to 
receive her, then left the house to order the car- 
riage. 

She slowly went to the invalid’s room, her heart 
beating with uncertainty and doubt, but not re- 
morse, her only anxiety being, u Will the general 
withdraw his financial aid? ” 

He was seated by the fire, and a worried look hov- 
ered over his wrinkled face. He did not hear her 
enter, and started from his reverie when he realized 
her presence. 

“ Well? ” was all he said as he looked up with a 
questioning look in his eyes. 

“ Well ! ” she echoed ; then cheerfully remarked: 
“ I am glad to see you up again.” 

“ Don’t mean that — ” he answered, petulantly. 
“ Ready — hear ! ” 

It had come at last, but she still staved off the 
answer by wilfully misunderstanding again. 

“ I know you are ready, General, and I am sorry 
to have you go.” 

He glared at her, feebly stamped his foot, and an- 
grily said : 

“ Roland Dupont — explain 1 ” 


78 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


The answer could be delayed no longer. So she 
assumed a look of contrition, and replied : 

“ Dear General, have you not forgotten and for- 
given that foolish scene ? ” 

The hard look relaxed a little as he inquired again : 
44 Explain — how — why — he here ? ” 

44 He came here quite by accident,” Cora explained, 
with the penitent look still on her face, 44 on an errand 
for his wife. We got discussing a novel, a famous 
love story we had both read. Remember, I was born 
in the hot countries of the Orient, and cannot dis- 
cuss love with the cold-blooded business manner of 
you people of this country/’ 

Cora offered this explanation in extenuation of her 
fault, with a childish humility which made the de- 
sired impression on the general. 

44 1 think we both lost our heads,” and she cast her 
eyes to the floor, but one little gleam shot forth to 
the general’s face to see how he received the story. 

He was still stern, but showed symptoms of relent- 
ing. 

“Sent you school — learn — customs — of country.” 
44 1 know, but one cannot efface the impression of 
one’s entire childhood in a few short years,” she re- 
plied. 

44 But Dupont — born here — no excuse.” 

The general thumped his cane on the floor, and an 
angry look again stole into his face. Cora intently 
watching him, noticed it, but as his anger was in this 
instance directed against Roland instead of herself, 


THE EXPLANATION. 


79 


she did not feel called upon to appease it by vindi- 
cating the absent. 

“ I cannot answer for Roland Dupont, I simply 
acknowledge my own fault and ask your kind indul- 
gence,” and she knelt and took his hand. 

The general was not hard-hearted, and this little 
by-play touched him and his heart softened toward 
her. 

“ I forgive — ” and he patted her bowed head, “get 
well— will settle — Roland Dupont — base seducer ! ” 
he exclaimed, fiercely ; “ ’bout again — get married — 
take you to Europe,” he finished, with decision. 

The word “ married ” sent a cold shudder all over 
her. “What!” she thought, “live with the gen- 
eral always ? Have the gruff wrinkled face forever 
before me ? Be compelled day by day to administer 
to his wants, to watch with impatience the tottering 
footsteps reeling to the verge of eternity ! Impossi- 
ble! ” She must put it off. It was bad enough to, 
have it in prospective, the reality would drive her 
mad. So she called all her practised diplomacy into 
play to stave off this dreaded contingency. 

“General,” she answered, sweetly, “will you not 
trust me once more ? Unworthy as I may seem, af- 
ter your great goodness and bounty toward me, I do 
not want to assume so great a responsibility as your 
wife so soon. Give me a little time to learn to fit 
myself for the position ! I will promise to be very 
careful, and never see Roland Dupont again, alone.” 

“Pshaw ! ” and he snapped his fingers in derision. 


80 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ Nonsense — no preparation needed — my wife — quiet 
life.” 

The last remark settled it. A quiet life ! Hor- 
rors ! what will she do in a quiet life ? She must 
have excitement ! It is the very essence of life ; 
without it, stagnation ! That dreamy somnambu- 
listic existence devoted to duty only would never 
suit the girl whose childhood had been passed in the 
land of intrigue and passion, India. So she assumed 
another line of action, and rising to her feet with 
great decision, replied: 

“ General, I will not marry at present. If you are 
not satisfied at that, we must part. I will earn my 
own living as best I may — and thank you,” she con- 
tinued more softly, “ for the kindness and assistance 
you have already shown me.” 

Now it was his turn to be alarmed. In fear of los- 
ing this peerless girl, of ceasing to be the envy of 
his friends — well, he would like to mould her to his 
will, but not lose her. 

So he grunted a few times, and finally remarked : 

“ Speak of this another time — stronger, talked 
enough — to-day,” and then settled back in his chair. 

She crossed to the window to hide the smile of 
satisfaction that would appear at the corners of her 
mouth. She knew she had won the trick. The gen- 
eral was her slave, as before, in spite of all. 

The carriage had just driven up, and John re- 
turned to wrap his master in his great coat and 
assist him down -stairs. The general rising, put out 


THE EXPLANATION. 


81 


his hand to bid Cora good-bye. She quickly crossed 
over to him, saying, 44 Good-bye, dear General.” He 
gave her a tender look, then drawing her to him, 
kissed her forehead, and heaved a short sigh. Then 
placing one hand on John’s shoulder, and assisting 
himself with the aid of his cane, he hobbled down- 
stairs and into the carriage, which immediately drove 
away. 

Cora watched it out of sight, and then turned 
and stamped her foot impatiently, exclaiming : 44 All 
these long weeks wasted, waiting on an invalid ! 
Bah ! it is not your forte at all, Cora.” She then 
seized her writing-case, and drawing it toward her, 
proceeded to dash off some notes to her gentleman 
friends, announcing that once more she was at home. 

And Roland, she must see Roland ; not that she 
was so desperately in love with him, but there was 
a great charm in intrigue, not to be resisted by 
one of her disposition. They would meet elsewhere, 
she thought. Roland should arrange it. She must 
call on Eugenia once in a while to keep up appear- 
ances. She seemed all of a sudden to have a feel- 
ing of great dislike toward her, she could not under- 
stand why ; and her conscience failed to provide the 
clue, that a woman alwaj^s hates the rival she has 
wronged. For policy’s sake, it would be as W'ell to 
call on Eugenia, she continued to think to herself, 
and see how matters stood. 

Having made up her mind to this, she hurried 
to put it into execution. She closed her desk, and 
6 


82 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


entering her dressing-room, attired herself in her 
most becoming costume and sallied forth on her 
errand of investigation. 

How good the fresh air seemed after this long 
confinement to hot rooms ! With head erect, she 
went to meet the friend into whose heart she has 
resolved to plant so many thorns. 


THE DETECTED INTRIGUE. 


83 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE DETECTED INTRIGUE. 

The general was up and attending to business as 
usual* The doctor had cautioned him to avoid ex- 
citement of all descriptions, for fear of another 
attack, so the poor general was quite nervous on the 
subject. So great was his fear of being left alone, 
he had retained John, who had been engaged during 
his illness, as a permanent attendant, although he 
regarded such retainers as useless extravagance. 

John had applied for the position of valet in 
answer to Cora’s advertisement. He could give no 
reference, explaining that reverses of fortune in 
another city compelled him to resort to this as a 
means of support. He seemed quiet and gentle- 
manly, but with a desire to remain unknown ; and 
Cora, respecting his pride, as she supposed, did not 
press her questions, but engaged him at once, and so 
far he had performed his duties satisfactorily. 

The general had gone to his office ; and John, 
having an idle hour, was amusing himself, prome- 
nading the thoroughfares and watching the pedes- 
trians. He had just lighted a cigar, and was loung- 
ing near a corner lamp post, when a woman across 


84 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


the way attracted his attention. She was tall, beau- 
tifully built, and dressed entirely in black, with a 
thick mask veil. Her walk was hurried, and she 
was evidently bent on a mission. As she reached 
the corner, she swiftly glanced around, revealing to 
John the face of Cora Valentine. 

He gave a long low whistle, as he scented mischief 
in the air. “I will follow and see where this leads 
to,‘ ? said he to himself, cunningly. 

Cora had not noticed him, and as she quickened 
her step, her shadow hurried after. She made sev- 
eral turns, and at last entered an unpretentious 
street. When about midway of the block, she 
stopped in front of a small quiet-looking house. 
John dodged behind the shelter of a friendly door- 
way. She looked up and down the street, but see- 
ing no one, ascended the few steps, took a latchkey 
from her pocket, entered the house, and closed the 
door quickly behind her. 

John cautiously crept from his hiding-place, 
glanced at the house, and seeing all the curtains 
drawn, crossed the street and entered a Chinese 
laundry in a basement opposite. He was very care- 
ful not to arouse the curiosity of the Mongolians at 
work, so he began a friendly chat, showing great 
interest in their trade and the customs of their coun- 
try. He told them lie was a reporter, and wanted 
to write up a little article on their country and in- 
dustrious habits ; so by adroit flattering, he won 
their confidence and they chatted freely. John, at 


THE DETECTED INTRIGUE. 


85 


the same time, with an eye on the opposite house, 
drew a chair near enough to the door to watch it, 
without seeming to do so. 

He had been there about ten minutes when an- 
other form appeared on the opposite side of the way, 
a masculine one, this time. He glanced right and 
left as the lady before him had done, and then 
Roland Dupont, for it was he, also entered the house 
and closed the door. Not a shade was lifted, not a 
sign of life that the house was inhabited, was visible 
from without. 

John rubbed his hands in glee, which the China- 
man took as a compliment to himself as a conversa- 
tionalist, and redoubled his efforts, chatting loudly 
on. Ten minutes, twenty, forty passed, and as the 
clock struck the hour again, Roland Dupont opened 
the door opposite cautiously, but seeing no one, 
swiftly descended the steps and walked away. 

Another half hour passed, and then Cora followed 
his example. John waited till she was gone, gave 
the Chinaman a tip for his good-natured information, 
and then casually remarked that as he was in quest 
of a furnished room, he thought he would look on 
the other side of the way. 

He crossed to the house he had been watching, and 
seeing the small white slip over the bell, “Furnished 
Rooms,” rang the bell. 

An old lady, quiet and neat looking, answered it. 
John politely inquired if she had a room to rent. 
She answered in the affirmative, and immediately 


86 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


showed him the second-floor back, whereupon he 
inquired if she could give him a front room, and 
designated the one next. The old lady shook her 
head and was sorry, but it was engaged at present. 

“ Do vou think it will be vacated soon ? ” he insin- 
uated. 

“ I couldn’t say. It was engaged by the week, by 
very nice people,” she hastily added, although I sel- 
dom see them.” 

“That is strange!” John ventured to remark, 
innocently ; “ how is that ? ” 

“ They are from out of town,” the landlady ex- 
plained. “ The lady is under medical treatment, and 
wanted a place to rest for a short time, while wait- 
ing for her train home.” 

“ Oh indeed ! very sad to be an invalid,” and 
John shook his head in a sympathetic manner, the 
landlady following his example and agreeing with 
his remark. 

“Does she come to town often?” he asked, in a 
wheedling tone, but retaining an indifferent manner 
so that the landlady would not suspect he had any 
interest in the matter. 

“ About two or three times a week,” she replied. 

John made a few remarks about the room, then 
thanked the old lady and said : 

“ I hardly think a back room would answer me, 
as I am very fond of looking out the window.” 

He then bowed politely and left the house. 
Again in the street, he looked at his watch. The 


THE DETECTED INTRIGUE. 


87 


general must have been home a full hour. Very- 
likely he would be discharged, but what did that 
matter? His secret was worth more than the gen- 
eral’s wages. So he swaggered along, well satisfied 
with his afternoon’s work. 

The general was home, and as John made his 
tardy appearance, thumped his cane on the floor, 
and started to swear at him. John calmed him 
instantly with the remark, “ Remember the doctor’s 
orders, General, about excitement,” so the general 
contented himself with glaring, scowling, and point- 
ing at the clock. 

“I beg your pardon, sir,” answered John, humbly, 
“ but I have been detained by an accident in the 
street. I remained to render assistance to a poor 
woman who had been run over. It won’t occur 
again, sir,” and he went about his duties. 

After a few discontented grunts, the general set- 
tled down to his supper, which John swiftly arranged 
on a neat little tray beside him ; after which the 
valet completed the general’s toilet, called a carriage 
for him, and he went to make his regular evening 
call on his ward. 

He had promised to take her to the opera that 
evening. He found her ready and waiting, a queen 
indeed, in her black satin and glittering jet, the 
long-trained dress sweeping behind, the snowy neck 
and arms only hidden by soft lace and jet, while a 
magnificent corsage bouquet of Jack roses, the gen- 
eral’s gift, adorned her waist. 


88 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


Cora was drawing on a long pair of tan-colored 
kid gloves, as the general made his appearance ; she 
held out her hand, and welcomed him with a bewitch- 
ing smile. Her plans had worked admirably, and 
she felt a decided satisfaction with herself and every- 
body else. 

She could afford to be gracious to the old man 
who blindly believed in her, and liberally forestalled 
her every wish. She took from her corsage a rose, 
and playfully fastened it into his coat. His eyes 
lighted up with pleasure, as he patted her on the 
shoulder, calling her his “ pretty puss.” She glided 
to the door, looking back and remarking, “ Come, 
dear General, you know it is my favorite opera to- 
night. I cannot afford to miss even the first note,” 
and she descended the stairs, followed by the gen- 
eral, who had no other alternative. His importance 
was swelling with pride and he was going over in 
his own imagination the evening at the opera, and 
seeing the envious glances he expected would be 
cast at him, as the escort of one whom he believed 
to be the handsomest woman in all New York. 

What a mischievous little rogue Cupid is ! What 
mad pranks he plays ! What ill-assorted unions he 
seems delighted to arrange ! He will mate decrepit, 
maudlin old age with bright and happy youth, that 
makes his foster-father, Satan, laugh at the havoc 
he brings about. He will aim his arrow at some 
trusting, loving heart, and the game falls at the feet 
of some satiated profligate, who delights in torturing 


THE DETECTED INTRIGUE. 


89 


the quivering heart. Yet we picture Cupid a fat and 
chubby baby ! If it were only in our power to 
deprive this precocious child of his bow and arrow 
till he should learn consistency, then he might 
become a sportsman to some good purpose, and earn 
a blessing where now he meets a curse ! 


90 


FASHIONABLE SINS* 




CHAPTER X. 

DEINK. 

Near the river, in the slums of the city, stands an 
overcrowded tenement house. Its wooden shutters 
hang by a single screw, rusty at that, and every time 
the wind blows, the disabled shutters bang and 
creak with a dismal noise, as if wailing in sympathy 
for the misery within. The old wooden house is 
settling on its foundation, and the front door needs 
a great deal of coaxing to open or shut at all ; but 
to those who are familiar with its peculiarity it gives 
little trouble, but to strangers it behaves its worst. 

Having forced an entrance, we come to a rickety 
flight of stairs. We can say “ flight ” with a double 
meaning, for at stated intervals several stairs have 
entirely flown away, leaving a yawning gap to catch 
the unwary. By day this trap is lighted by an open 
space above the front door, originally intended for a 
transom when the house was in its prime ; to-day it 
lets in the foul air of the gutter in the summer, and 
the icy blast in winter. 

Its inmates are the poor unfortunates, who struggle 
for a roof to cover them, heedless how poor that roof 
may be, if only the rent is cheap. 


DRINK. 


91 


In an upper room, cold and cheerless, sat a weary 
mother with her little brood. The hearth was empty, 
save a few blackened cinders. In a corner was a 
bale of clean straw, covered by a few thin remnants 
of blankets ; a few boxes, and two broken chairs 
complete the furniture, save that dreadful object in 
the centre of the room. 

On a large packing-box, was a little plain coffin. 
The lid was off, and a small pinched face lay, in its 
marble stillness, waiting the last rites for the dead. 

Around the room were five children, poorly clad, 
but very clean, as everything else was in that pov- 
erty-stricken home. They had an awe-struck look 
on their faces, and now and then glanced with 
amazement at the coffin. They could not under- 
stand why the little sister lay so still and white, and 
never spoke to them more, and why they had put 
her in that queer black box. One by one they would 
sidle up to the mother, who sat still and patiently 
plied her needle, while hot tears chased each other 
down the worn cheek. The patient face showed 
refinement, in ill-keeping with her surroundings. 
She had seen better days. She began life full of 
hope and joy, in a pretty home, with the husband 
she had sworn to love and honor. She had never 
broken that vow through all the vicissitudes of the 
changing years. 

He, on his part, remembered naught but his ruling 
passion, drink. 

So down, down, step by step, the little family 


92 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


dropped. Everything that could be pawned, had 
gone. Nothing remained but the rags and broken 
remnants that the sharks of the poor had refused 
even as a pledge. 

Stitch, stitch, with eyes that were weary and dim. 
Stitch, stitch, with hands that were heavy and torn. 
From early morn till late at dusk, the tired fingers 
worked, the sad heart ached, but there was no time 
to sorrow for the dead. The living still clamored for 
the rights of existence, and the dead was silently 
waiting the transfer to the last home on earth. 
Money must be had. The husband and father fail- 
ed to provide it, and scorned to share the poverty 
into which he had plunged the unhappy family. 

John, for it was his family, had once been a gentle- 
man — at least, so he called himself. Liberal and gen- 
erous to outsiders, he was mean and penurious to the 
helpless beings he should have protected. But as it 
is by outside appearance, rather than genuine worth, 
that the wise world passes judgment, John was 
voted a first-rate fellow. 

When economy was necessary, the family were 
pinched more and more ; and moved from house to 
house, each one poorer than the other. Did John 
move also ? 

Oh, no ! It was necessary to keep up appearances 
to get work. So he hired a room, settled himself in 
bachelor luxury, as much as circumstances would 
allow, and lolled around town waiting for “ some- 
thing to turn up.” He seldom visited his family, 


DR-INK. 


93 


asking himself 44 What good would it do ? ” He 
couldn’t help them till he got work, he reasoned, and 
so when his money gave out, he would call in the 
evening and get some article to pledge, temporarily, 
to bridge over the difficulty, till finally all had gone. 

When the poor wife’s eyes would fill with tears 
at these heartless visits, he would hurl oaths at her 
head, and ask her how she ever expected him to get 
along if she was forever whining and placing obsta- 
cles in his path. He declared he would get them 
all back, and more too, if she wouldn’t push him to 
the wall, but she must give him time. 

Meanwhile, the five little mouths must be fed ; 
and the mother, whose love for her offspring never 
balanced in the scales with appearance, toiled at her 
needle incessantly ; but work as hard as she might, 
the gaunt wolf of hunger often poked his weird and 
fiendish face inside the door. 

The hardest toil is usually the poorest paid, and 
John’s wife was working for one of those large firms 
whose head posed as a philanthropist, and pillar of 
his church, and prided himself in placing underwear 
in the market at so 44 low a price that the poor could 
buy and be cleanly clad, for 4 Cleanliness is next to 
Godliness,’ ” he would say, as he rubbed his hands, 
and beamed on his friends, with the milk of human 
kindness. Then they would say, 44 What a good 
man Mr. B is ! ” 

Was he ? How about the hundred employees, 
who toiled ten, twelve and eighteen hours out of 


94 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


twenty -four to keep body and soul together ; breath- 
ing the foul air of damp and musty temement 
houses ; unmindful of pains and aches ; looking for- 
ward to the rest that comes “ when earth returns to 
earth and ashes to ashes ; ” mere human machines, 
crowded on the outskirts of society almost to the 
grave, in the cause of these so called philanthropists, 
who pride themselves in looking out for the interest 
of the poor? 

Those who pretend to be a feature in the age in 
which they live, usually ride a hobby. Rub down 
the joints with flattery and the hobby pricks up his 
ears, and passes the judge’s stand with the metal of 
a racer, first at the winning post and to pass under 
the wire ; while Sincerity rides behind, modestly 
content if he reaches the winning post at all. 

The bell of Trinity Church tolled the hour of 
twelve, the candle had burned to the socket, the gar- 
ment was finished, John’s wife tossed it to one 
side, and her head fell with a thud on the little 
coffin, while sobs deep from the wells of her heart 
filled the desolate room. 

The children grew frightened, and tugged at her 
skirts, calling, “ Mamma ! mamma ! speak to me ! ” 
She heeded not. The pent up tears must flow, or 
the heart would burst. “ Mamma ! I am hungry ! ” 
they cried, and she raised her head and silently 
pointed to a crust on the mantle. 

A step was heard, shuffling, stumbling, and a 
voice swearing, up the stairs. The door was thrown 
open. 


DRINK. 


95 


“ Husband, you have come at last ! ” and she threw 
her arms around his neck and the tears flowed 
afresh. 

“ What the h — 1 are you kicking — hie — up this 
beastly — hie — row about?” he mumbled, as he threw 
her violently away from him. 

Her face grew hard, and she pointed to the coffin. 
He followed her gaze and stumbled over to it, steady- 
ing himself by it, as he looked in. Then he turned 
to her a red and watery eye, remarking : 

“ When — hie — this happen? ” 

“ Yesterday,” she answered, in a choking voice. 

“ Why in h — 1 didn’t you send — hie — for me ? ” 
he demanded, with drunken importance. 

“Send? where could I send? You have never 
given me your address,” she murmured, brokenly. 

He chuckled a low drunken chuckle. “ Where — 
hie — I was — hie — smart,” and he leered at her with 
idiotic cunning. 

“ Is that all you have to say ? ” 

The wife’s heart felt like stone in her bosom, and 
her voice had a helpless ring. 

“ What — hie — do you s-want me to say? ” 

“ Are you not sorry? ” she inquired, appealingly. 

“ ’Spose so — ” he mumbled, indifferently, “ but you 
s-got plenty — hie — left,” pointing to the five terri- 
fied children huddled together ; “ s-wlmt use — hie— 
kicking. up this infernal row — hie — over one?” ' 

He held on to the coffin with one hand, and gestic- 
ulated with the other, all the time swaying back- 


96 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


ward and forward in his endeavor to keep balanced. 
The children seemed frightened at his presence, and 
huddled together in silence. The only notice he 
vouchsafed them was a dark scowl now and then. 
The poor wife looked at the wreck before her ; then 
resolved once more to appeal to his manhood, and 
laying her hand on his shoulder, softly spoke : 

“ J ohn, husband, it is not you that is speaking, it 
is the fiend Alcohol that has taken possession of 
you. Leave it off! Be again the man you were 
when this little child was born ! For their sakes,” 
pointing to the children, “ not mine, I beg of you to 
reform ! ” 

Her voice was choked with tears. She was 
appealing to a brute. Liquor had drowned the 
heart and quenched the manhood. He shook her off, 
stumbled to a broken chair, and fell into it. 

“ Got through your cant, you ! ” calling her a 

vile name, and then pouring forth a volley of oaths. 
After a short pause he looked at the coffin and in- 
quired : “ Why— hie — didn’t you have that — hie — 

thing taken away?” jerking his thumb toward it. 

“ I was waiting to finish my work, for money to 
pay the undertaker, and for you to take a last look 
at the darling we shall never see again,” she replied, 
and her voice sank to a whisper. 

“ Yes, you — hie — thought you could — hie — worry 
me, didn’t you ? Know your — hie — tricks ! ” he re- 
marked, with a cunning squint at her and nod of 
his head. 


DRINK. 


97 


She looked at him and half shook her head with a 
hopeless gesture, and a faint sigh escaped her as she 
went to the coffin, and gazed at the tiny face within, 
maintaining a broken-hearted silence. Only the 
moonbeams lighted the dreary room. 

“ I was — hie — s-charged to-day,” and he gave a 
chuckle. “ Thought — fool me ; hie — too smart for 
them. Got a secret, can live — hie — like gentleman, 
s-don’t need work any more — liic — d — n work,” and 
he threw out his arm in drunken derision. 

She raised her head, and peered at him anxiously 
in the dim light to see his face. 

“ You have a secret ? about whom ? ” she inquired 
tremulously. 

“ Wouldn’t you like— hie— to s-know ? ” pointing to 
her a shaky and dirty finger, and leering. “ S-that’s 
my business. Got anything — hie — to drink? ” 

“ You know well I haven’t,” she replied, sadly. 

The thought that he had asked his wife for drink 
seemed to amuse him, and he chuckled and mumbled 
to himself. Then he grew serious and fumbled 
through his pockets, but finding them empty, he 
looked at her again. 

“ S-got any money ? ” he demanded. 

“ Five cents is all I have in the world,” she re- 
plied, hopelessly. 

“ Give it — hie — here,” and he arose to his feet. 

“ No ! it is for bread for my children,” she answer- 
ed, decidedly. 

“ Give you s-plenty more — hie — to-morrow.” 

7 


98 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ You have said that so often before,” she answer- 
ed in heart-broken tones, “ but I will not part with 
this. My children first.” 

“ So you ’tend to s-dis-bey — hie — me, do yon ? ” 

“ In this case, yes.” 

“ Guess you s-need training,” and he staggered to 
her. His red eyes had a tigerish gleam as he held 
out his hand. “ S-give me the money,” he demand- 
ed, fiercely. 

“ No ! ” she replied, resolutely. 

“You won’t, hey?” he sneered, and with a volley 
of oaths he seized her by the throat and pressed her 
backward against the coffin. The children com- 
menced to scream and he turned and kicked them 
furiously. They subsided in fear and low wails. 
The mother started to their aid, but before she could 
reach them his fingers had closed over her throat. 
The brute that longed for blood had been aroused 
within him, and as her eyes started from their sock- 
ets, and she choked and gasped, it seemed to mad- 
den him and his fingers closed tighter. “You’ll find 
who’s s-master here,” he hissed. Then with a final 
clinch he threw her from him, and she fell, striking 
the side of the coffin, and lay in a silent heap upon 
the floor. 

“ Get up,” he shouted as he administered a kick. 

She moved not. He went to her alarmed and 
raised her head. The blood was trickling from a 
gash on the temple, cut by the sharp edge of the 
eoffiiL 


DRINK. 


99 


This partially sobered him, and he shook her, 
crying : 

“ Mary ! Mary, I say ! ” 

No answer. She was dead ! He looked wildly 
around, then realizing the fearful truth, a stifling 
feeling rushed over him and he tore open his collar 
for air, and rushed madly from the room. 

The cool night air blew the insanity from his 
brain. No one being in sight, he hurriedly walked 
away toward the river. Once there, he sat down in 
a dark corner of the wharf to think and to plan for 
his future safety. 

He was not known in the vicinity of the accident, 
he mused. The law would call it murder, and he 
shuddered. He was sorry he went so far, but he 
was drunk. He would never get drunk again, but 
he must now getaway. “ Self-preservation is the first 
law of nature,” he mumbled, as he arose to put the 
width of the city between himself and his crime. 

Never one passing regret flitted through his mind 
for her who had suffered and toiled for him and his. 
Vanity and selfishness had chilled the little spark of 
love that warms the heart and lights the soul, leav- 
ing a human brute clothed in the form of man gloat- 
ing in destruction. 


100 


FASHIONABLE SINSc 


CHAPTER XI. 

HUSH MONEY. 

The morning dawned darkly. The heavy rain 
came splashing down, mixed with cutting hail and 
sleet, casting a pall over the city, and hiding the 
face of the sun. Now and then a window-shade, in 
some house, would be hastily uplifted, and an eager 
face peer out into the gloom, only to withdraw, with 
a disappointed look, and down would come the shade 
again. 

The few early rising pedestrians splashed along 
through the sleet ice, some muttering curses as their 
feet slipped from under them, and necessitated con- 
siderable balancing of the body to retain a perpen- 
dicular attitude. Some took to the streets as safer 
paths for locomotion. Now and then a poor work 
gill plodded along to her daily task, her sodden 
skirts knee deep with slush and mud, making a dis- 
agreeable muffled noise as they swung against her 
thinly clad feet and legs, and she shivered with the 
cutting blast as she drew her poor shawl around her. 

No one was out who could afford to stop at home. 
The petted darlings of society lounged over a cheer- 
ful blaze, and drew closer the lace curtains, to shut 


HUSH MONEY. 


101 


out the world without. Everybody had the blues, 
and the cheerful countenance was something not to 
be met with to-day. 

One shade was cautiously lifted, and an anxious face 
scanned the street. The sight seemed to afford him 
satisfaction; the elements without were in keeping 
with the feelings that stirred his heart, for it was 
John’s face peering out. He did not draw the shade 
again, but continued dressing ; and having finished 
all but his vest, proceeded to wrap that article care- 
fully in a newspaper. 

He had arrived at his room during the midnight 
hours unseen, and had thrown himself on the bed to 
sleep off the dazed confusion of the night before ; 
but when daylight dawned, he had arisen to take a 
cold bath, and remove any traces that might cling to 
him of that event whose consequences he must exert 
all his faculties to avoid. 

The first thing was breakfast. “ An empty stomach 
is not conducive to work,” thought he as he sallied 
forth to take the bundle to an uncle of his, whose 
trademark was three golden balls. He threw his 
bundle on the counter of the pawnbroker’s shop 
and receiving the few coins he was offered, made his 
way out of the shop to a news stand, and bought a 
paper. From thence he hurried along to a cheap res- 
taurant to order his frugal breakfast. While waiting 
to be served, he opened the paper and scanned every 
column. Plenty of deaths ; some shot, some sui- 
cides, but nowhere did he see the thing he looked 


102 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


for, and a relieved expression crossed his face. It 
was evidently not discovered when the paper went 
to press. 

“ Pshaw ! suppose it had been ? ” said he to him- 
self. There was absolutely nothing to connect him 
with the crime. He was not known in the neighbor- 
hood, and the few friends he had were absolutely 
ignorant of his domestic affairs. 

He folded the paper leisurely, and ate his break- 
fast ; after which he lighted one of those rank, pen- 
etrating and odoriferous cigars, and strolled out to 
his favorite corner, to commune with his confidential 
lamp post as to the advisability of making his mas- 
ter stroke to-day, or whether he should await further 
developments. After a few moments of reverie he 
decided it must be done at once. Money was abso- 
lutely necessary. 

Who should he tackle first ? The general ? De- 
cidedly not ! He would go into a rage, perhaps have 
another attack of apoplexy and die. Then every- 
thing would be up. Besides, he would not pay well 
for the information, till he knew its value ; then, 
very likely anger would blind him, and he would 
fail to recompense his informant. 

Mr. Dupont? How would he take it? He would 
undoubtedly do much to keep it from his wife ; but 
would he pay for silence, or call in the police, and 
have him arrested for blackmail ? 

What would Cora do ? Yes. He thought she 
would pay handsomely. She would have a double 


HUSH MONEY. 


103 


interest. First, the general must not know of it, or 
lie would kick up a fuss and refuse further cash. 
Then, she would wish to keep her lover, and hide 
the truth from his wife. Undoubtedly, Cora was 
the proper person, for many reasons. Besides, 
women scare easier than men. He would make the 
bluff. 

When a coward wants to bully, he usually takes a 
woman. So throwing away the butt of his cigar, 
which was immediately seized and confiscated by a 
gutter urchin, he started for Cora’s apartments with 
a long swinging stride. The maid answered his ring. 
He put on his most suave, “ Uriah Heap” expres- 
sion, and humbly begged to see Miss Valentine on a 
most important business. 

The maid left him standing in the hall while she 
informed her mistress, and then returned to tell him 
that Miss Valentine said he might come to her apart- 
ments. 

Thanking the maid for her trouble in his most po- 
lite manner, he presented himself before Cora with 
an humble air. She looked at him with a cold 
haughty expression. 

“ Well, John, what do you want with me? You 
were discharged yesterday, I believe, from the gen- 
eral's service. Now don’t come to me to beg to be 
reinstated. I have enough to attend to with my own 
affairs,” she remarked, in an annoyed tone. 

“ Don’t worry, Miss Cora. I have no wish to go 
back to the general’s,” he replied. 


104 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


Cora looked at him surprised. 

“ Indeed ! Then may I ask, to what I am in- 
debted for this intrusion ? ” she inquired, indiffer- 
ently, and indolently twirled an ivory paper-cutter 
in her hand as she stood by the table facing him. 

“Miss Cora, I have been very unfortunate,” he 
whined, “ and the loan of a little money ” 

She stopped him abruptly, with a wave of her 
hand. 

“ There, there, that will do. Had you behaved 
yourself you would still be in the general’s employ. 
Don’t come to me for money. You have no claim on 
me. I am busy. Good-morning ! ” and she turned 
to walk away. 

“ One word, Miss Cora. You speak of claim. I 
have one ! ” he urged, becoming bolder, as she turned 
and seemed to hesitate. 

“Indeed! what claim, may I ask ? ” she inquired 
in a proud derisive tone, as her eyes scornfully trav- 
eled from his heels to his head. 

“ Gratitude,” he answered, impudently. 

“ For what ? ” she asked, astonished. 

“ For silence,” he replied. 

“ Silence ?” she echoed. “I fail to understand 
you.” 

“ Miss Cora,” he explained, with less effrontery, 

“ day before yesterday, business took me to G 

Street; and while there, I accidentally witnessed a 
meeting between a gentleman and lady, the latter 
one in whom General Granger is deeply interested. 


HITSH MONEY. 


105 


Should I go to him and state what I witnessed, the lady 
would be thrown over penniless. But I won’t, Miss 
Cora ! ” he continued, wheedling, “ I won’t ! I al- 
ways liked the lady, and says I to myself: 4 John, 
she is a very kind lady. She will be grateful for 
your silence, and loan you a small sum to relieve 
your pressing necessities, ’ ” and he gave her a fur- 
tive glance out of the corner of his small treacher- 
ous eye. 

She stood erect. The ivory paper-cutter lay in 
splinters on the table, and her eyes fairly blazed with 
anger. 

“ How dare you ? Who set you to spy upon my 
actions? ” she exclaimed, between her set teeth. 

“ Don’t be annoyed, Miss Cora, I have mentioned 
no names. Tt was an accident, of course,” he ans- 
wered, soothingly, thinking perhaps he had gone too 
far. 

“ You lie to me ! You dogged my steps ! ” she 
hissed. 

“ Hush, lady, some one will hear you ! I don’t 
want to be hard on you. I used to like a frolic my- 
self when I was young,” he replied, in a lighter tone, 
hoping to mitigate her anger. 

“ What do you want ? ” she demanded. 

“ A little loan,” he coaxingly said. 

“ Hush money, I presume ? ” she answered, ab- 
ruptly. 

“Now, Miss Cora, don’t call it that! That is such 
an ugly name, you know ! ” he insinuated. 


106 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“Never mind the name, jour price ?” she again 
demanded. 

“ Twenty -five dollars/’ he replied. 

“ I have a good mind to give you into the hands 
of the police,” she exclaimed, meditatively. 

An imperceptible shiver passed over him. He had 
not calculated on that. He hastened to say : 

“ Now, Miss Cora, just see how foolish that would 

be. I would have to tell them all I know,” in a tone 

of mock regret, “ and then General Granger would 
• _ > 
read it in the papers, and Mrs. Dupont also !” 

“ But they are all lies ! No one will believe you ! 
What proof have you ” she demanded, haughtily. 

“ The nice kind old lady who sympathized with 
her invalid lodger,” he answered, as he closely watch- 
ed her to see how it affected her, and observed that 
Cora winced, and that a shade of color stole into her 
face, “will surely recognize her again and her hand- 
some husband also.” 

As he emphasized the word “husband,” Cora 
started, and she almost screamed. 

“ You have been to that house, you villain ! ” she 
exclaimed, and her fingers worked nervously with 
rage. 

“ I called to look at some rooms. I am thinking 
of moving,” he replied, carelessly. He began to fear 
he had said too much. 

“ If I give you this money, do you promise never 
to molest me again in any manner ? ” she asked, in a 
calmer tone, after a short pause. 


HUSH MONEY. 


107 


“On my honor,” and he placed his hand over his 
heart and bowed. 

“ Poor security,” she sneered. “ But I warn you, 
do not come again ! Repeat the threat you have 
made to-day, and I will know how to deal with 
you ! ” 

Saying which, she took from her pocket her purse, 
and counted out the required sum. He watched her 
intently, with a wolfish avaricious gleam in his eye. 

“ There is your money,” throwing it toward him, 
“ now begone ! ” 

He stooped and meekly picked it up, and then 
said : “ Thanks, dear lady, I knew you could not 

refuse the appeal of a poor man.” 

“ Silence ! Leave the house ! ” and she stamped 
her foot, pointing toward the door with the air of an 
offended queen. 

He bowed himself out backward, then turned and 
chuckled to himself all the way down-stairs. In the 
street his hilarity was cut short by the shouts of the 
newsboys, crying : 

“ Extra edition, all about the great murder in 
Rickety Row. Extra ! ” 

His blood congealed in his veins, and a cold 
creepy feeling benumbed his limbs. f 

So it had come at last. 

He sneaked away like a whipped cur, glancing 
over his shoulder as if an invisible justice was on his 
track. 

“ Conscience makes cowards of us all.” 


108 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


CHAPTER XII. 

MISS TABB. 

When John left the house, where he had in drunk- 
en anger committed the crime which deprived the 
unfortunate little children of their only protector, he 
had not the slightest intention of ever burdening 
himself with their maintenance. He had often voted 
them a nuisance, and now decided to abandon them 
entirety, saying to himself : “ There is a place for 
brats. Let them go there. That is what we pay 
taxes for.” 

The little children continued to cry and sob softly, 
one or two of the youngest crying themselves to 
sleep ; while the elder ones by degrees gained cour- 
age sufficiently to go to their mother, pull her dress, 
and entreat her to speak to them. 

She answered not ! 

Then they would return to their corner astonish- 
ed, and cry again, only to go back to the mother and 
repeat their vain appeal. 

Morning found them in this pitiable state, while 
the blood from the mother’s wound slowly trickled 
on the floor, dying the old and rotten boards a rusty 
black as it dried along the edges of the pool. John 


109 


MISS TABB. 

had laid the woman on her side on the floor, when 
he discovered she was dead. 

As daylight lighted up the room sufficiently to re- 
veal this ghastly sight, the children became terrified 
at the swollen face and bulging eyes ; the youngest 
began to howl lustily, while the eldest ran down- 
stairs to find some one to come up and see “ what 
was the matter with mamma.” She thought she 
“ must have a fit, for her baby brother used to have 
fits and looked awfully.” 

The floor below was empty and had been so for some 
time, which accounted for the noise not being heard 
and bringing assistance to the family. The floor be- 
low that, was occupied by a large family, dirty, noisy, 
and used to quarrels of all descriptions. Had they 
heard the noise, they would not have dreamed of in- 
terfering. 

The front room on the first floor was occupied by 
an old maid, poor Miss Tabb. She had come to 
grief. Her boarding-house had been taken from her. 
Her expenses had exceeded her income, her credi- 
tors demanded a settlement, and she was obliged to 
give up everything. 

The little money she had laid by for a rainy day, 
she had confided to one of her gentleman boarders 
for investment. He told her he “ knew of a scheme 
by which she could double it in a short time. The 
stock company was forming then, and mining shares 
in great demand.” Without a doubt of his honesty 
she gave her little hoard into his hands, trusting to 


r 


110 FASHIONABLE SINS. 

his honor ; whereupon he vanished, and was never 
seen or heard of afterwards. 

All this was too much strain on poor Miss Tabb’s 
weak head. She succumbed, and was carried to the 
hospital, very ill with brain fever. After w r eary 
weeks she recovered, and was discharged, with the 
few dollars in her pocket she had brought with her 
to the hospital. 

Her troubles and illness had nearly destroyed her 
memory, and on her recovery she had forgotten the 
street she used to live in, and the acquaintances she 
once knew. Relatives she had none. No one seem- 
ed interested in the poor soul, for few people are apt 
to become attached to a poor struggling boarding- 
house keeper. 

So now Miss Tabb was at her wit’s end to know 
what to do, and as she had wandered aimlesslv 
around, trying to recall former friends to memory, 
she chanced to find herself in Rickety Row ; and 
seeing the sign in a window “ Rooms to Rent,” and 
having no place to sleep and night coming on, she 
went in. The room was mean and dirty, but cheap. 
She concluded to engage it for the present, so that 
her few dollars would go as far as possible ; mean- 
while, she would try and find her former acquaint- 
ances, and beg for their assistance to procure work. 

She had only been in her poor lodgings a few 
days, when that dreadful event occurred on the upper 
floor. 

Miss Tabb had changed the aspect of her room by 


MISS TABB. 


Ill 


frequent applications of soap and water. She was 
up and about her daily task of setting her room to 
rights, and preparing her frugal breakfast of weak 
tea and dry toast ; after which she usually went out, 
to wander about in hopes of coming upon some famil- 
iar spot to assist memory to connect its broken links 
and recall the past. Nobody was interested enough 
in this poor solitary lady to seek her, so she must 
seek them. 

She was just putting her bonnet on, when the 
child clamored on the door, and begged for admit- 
tance. She opened the door, and seeing the startled 
tear stained face, inquired what was the matter. 

The child could only gasp, “ Mamma ! Oh, come 
and see mamma ! She’s got an awful fit ! ” tugging 
at her dress and trying to pull her toward the stair- 
case. 

Miss Tabb had a kind heart, and misery never ap- 
pealed to her in vain. She had little money to give, 
but warm tears of sympathy and kind and encourag- 
ing words were always ready, and they often acted as 
balm on some sore and heavy -burdened heart. 

She followed the child quickly up the staircase, 
and into the room. The little black coffin met her 
sight, and she started back ; but recovering herself, 
she advanced to the prostrate form on the floor, and 
kneeling, took her hand. Its icy chill sent a shud- 
der over her ; she realized tins was death. She took 
her handkerchief from her pocket, and spread it over 
the ghastly staring face, and then arose to her feet 


112 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


and looked into the coffin. Hot tears fell with a 
noiseless splash on the white insensible face, as she 
slowly shook her head, saying : 

“ Poor little soul, God has sent for you in time ! ” 
She looked at the frightened group of children in 
the corner, and forebore to question them then ; but 
realizing something must be done, went over to them 
and taking the youngest in her arms, bid the rest 
follow her. 

They stared at her in wonder, till the eldest girl, 
the one who had summoned her, gave them a shake, 
saying: “Don’t you hear the lady speak?” where- 
upon they called again for “ Mamma,” and cried that 
they were “ hungry.” 

“Come with me. I will get your breakfast, and 
come back and see to your poor mamma,” Miss Tabb 
softly said. 

She had not the heart to tell them she was dead, 
although they would not have understood or realized 
it. She crossed to them and took the baby in her 
arms. The eldest girl marshaled the others into 
single file, and pushed them ahead of her out of the 
room. The baby reclined on Miss Tabb’s shoulder, 
sucking his thumb, and murmuring “ Mamma,” in a 
half sob every few minutes. - 

Miss Tabb entered her own room with her small 
followers, and seated them on the side of her bed 
and on boxes. She proceeded to divide the weak 
tea and short allowance of bread between them, after 
which she cautioned them to remain very still and 


MISS TABB. 


113 


not stir from the room till she returned, and she 
would bring them more breakfast. So by bribes of 
a like nature they remained where they were, and 
Miss Tabb hurried out to notify the police of her dis- 
covery. 

She knew it would do no good to notify the neigh- 
bors of the event, as they would only make a great 
excitement, and have the house thronged with 
curiosity seekers. Her natural good sense came to 
her assistance, and she sought a policeman and stated 
the case to him. 

The policeman followed her to the house, and 
into the room where the crime had been committed. 
After looking around and questioning all he met in 
the house, the children included, he descended the 
stairs and hurried off to notify his superiors. 

By this time all the inmates were aware of the 
crime, and rushing around to publish it as much as 
possible, and the word “ murder” was handed from 
mouth to mouth. A crowd commenced to collect in 
front of the house, and many ascended the stairs to 
gratify their inquisitiveness by a nearer view ; but 
they found the door locked, and the key gone, as the 
policeman had taken this precaution against inva- 
sion. * 

Miss Tabb had meanwhile procured food for the 
half-famished children, from a neighboring bake 
store, and was now busy feeding them, washing them, 
and combing their hair. She had the door locked 
inside, as the noisy crowd was not at all ceremonious, 
8 


114 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


and opened any door that yielded to their hands. 
Her kind motherly ways soothed the children, and 
they were willing to obey her, and sat silent and 
patiently waiting for something, they knew not 
what. 

In about an hour from the time the policeman 
made his first visit, the coroner and his assistants filed 
up the street ; the house was cleared of intruders, 
one policeman being left at the door to prevent in- 
gress. The rest went up to the room to view the 
crime. Having gone through the usual formula de- 
manded by the law on such occasions, the body was 
sent to the morgue, and the little coffin with its 
marble-like burden taken to the undertaking estab- 
lishment that provided the coffin, to await further 
developments. In case friends failed to claim it, it 
would find its resting-place beside the mother in the 
Potter’s Field. 

An advertisement was inserted in the newspapers 
with a description of the family, and friends inquired 
for. The leading facts of the case were enlarged 
upon in the daily papers, and John read them, to- 
gether with the information that the “ Society for 
the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ” would take 
charge of the orphans for the present. 

“ So far, so good,” mused John to himself, but his 
brows knitted and he looked uncomfortable when 
the last clause met his eyes. It was, 

“ $100 reward to any one who will give informa- 
tion that may lead to the arrest of the murderer.” 


A CLEW. 


115 


CHAPTER XIII. 

A CLEW. 

After Miss Tabb had consigned the children to 
the care of their temporary protector, she thought 
she would just go up-stairs and take a last look 
around the deserted room, to see if any trifle or 
token could be found that would ever be useful to 
the destitute orphans, now, or in days to come, to 
establish their identity, and find for them some 
friend or relative that might take more than a pass- 
ing interest in their welfare. She knew how lonely 
and desolate her own life had been, and what a 
struggle existence meant ; and as she looked on the 
orphaned children, a tear would come in the weak 
eyes and roll down the skinny cheek. 

She opened the door of the room, and paused on 
the threshold. A nameless superstitious dread that 
some people feel on entering for the first time a room 
lately occupied by the dead, seemed to take posses- 
sion of her. Only for a minute, however, for she 
conquered the feeling and stepped into the room. 

Abject poverty glared from every corner. The 
old packing-box on which the little coffin lately 
stood, occupied the centre, as before ; around it on 


116 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


the floor, the dried blood had made a black and ugly 
stain. No one had considered it incumbent on them 
to clean up the stain, and there it was, an indellible 
reminder of a dark and cowardly crime. Miss Tabb 
shivered as she gazed upon it, and softly murmured: 

“ Poor woman, poor little children ! May God be 
your guide, for you are friendless indeed ! ” 

She searched under every box and into every 
corner. Nothing rewarded her. She decided to turn 
over the straw which had served as a bed. She did 
so, and as she shook it, two slips of white paper 
fell out. She picked them up, opened, and read 
them. They were old and yellow. One was a mar- 
riage certificate dated fifteen years ago, which proved 
that on a certain day of that year, in a little country 
village, Mary Jones and John Smith had been pro- 
nounced man and wife. 

Mary Jones was evidently the dead woman ; who 
was John Smith? Was he dead also? Probably, 
as no one seemed to remember having seen him ; and 
yet the children testified that on the night of the 
crime, papa had been to see them, but was very 
angry and acted very funny, and got mad at mamma, 
and threw her upon the coffin, and she never spoke 
to them again. When questioned as to where 
u papa” was, they said they did not know. He 
did not live with them, and only came to see them 
once in a great while, and was very cross, and did 
not stay long. 

When asked “ papa’s ” name, they said mamma 


A CLEW. 


117 


called him “John/’ They had been in New York 
several years, but papa would never allow them to 
talk to strangers and so they knew nobody. They 
had moved a great many times, but could not re- 
member the name of the streets. Papa had never 
lived with them in New York, and mamma seemed 
very unhappy and was always crying. 

When asked where they had lived before they 
came to New York, the eldest girl said, “ It was a 
little country village with a long funny name, and 
papa had kept a little shop where they sold every- 
thing. He was much nicer to them then, and lived 
with them, and did not get so cross, but it was a 
long while ago.” 

That was all the information that could be ex- 
tracted from the children. Hardship seemed to have 
stagnated their memories, and the authorities had 
been as much puzzled as ever to know who John 
Smith was, and where he was to be found. He 
was evidently the man who had committed the 
crime, but his motive for the act was a mystery. 
Although the children had been eye witnesses to the 
crime, they seemed to be little help to justice, as ter- 
ror and want had seemed to stupefy them. The eld- 
est girl alone was capable of answering questions, 
and her knowledge seemed slight. She had de- 
scribed her father, but the description would have 
applied to hundreds of men, so went for little value. 
He seemed to cover his tracks so well that not a clue 
remained through which to trace him, 


118 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


All this went through Miss Tabb’s mind as she 
folded the paper and opened the second one. It was 
an old love letter, worn and tear stained, but prob- 
ably treasured for the sake of other days. It read : 

“ Dear Mary, I have got the license. Thank you, 
my darling, for the trust you place in me, and you 
will see how happy I will make you when we are 
man and wife. John.” 

The letter dropped from Miss Tabb’s hand, and 
she fell into a reverie. 

How had he kept his word ? How had he re- 
warded the trusting girl for the faith she placed in 
him ? How had he fulfilled the duty of husband and 
father ? 

The poverty that surrounded her testified for 
itself. The dark and horrible stain coiling like a 
deadly poisonous serpent, amid the bare and dreary 
surroundings, gave its last evidence of all. 

Miss Tabb burst into tears, and had what she 
called a good cry ; partly in sympathy for the ill- 
fated family, partly for herself. After a few minutes 
she dried her eyes and went down -stairs to her own 
room. 

She gathered the few belongings she still pos- 
sessed. Her trunk containing her meagre wardrobe 
had been allowed to remain at the hospital till she 
could “look about her,” as she said, and arrange 
some place for the future. Every day she exjiected 
memory to revive, and give her the clues of the past. 


A CLEW. 


119 


She felt a dim light elucidating former events, at 
times pass over her, then die ere it gave birth to 
thought. At such times her eyes would light with 
hope, and she would say, “I have it now, it was — ” 
then the light would die and leave a hopeless blank. 

Now she resolved to leave this house and the 
locality, never to see them again. She paid her rent 
to her slovenly and vulgar neighbor, gave up her 
room and went forth again. She went first to the 
police headquarters to give them the marriage cer- 
tificate ; it might be a clue. The letter she would 
keep to give to the children, when they grew up, as 
the only relic of their parents. It could not pos- 
sibly assist justice in the unraveling of the crime, 
she argued, and being naturally of a sentimental dis- 
position, she thought the children would prize it 
when they were men and women. So she put it 
carefully away, pinned in the bosom of her dress. 
She resolved always to keep track of the children, 
and take an interest in their future. It would give 
her something in the world to look forward to. 

The wind wailed a mournful dirge as it flapped 
her plain black dress and shawl back and forth as 
she walked, as if it, too, was in sympathy with her 
resolution and wanted to express itself emphatically. 

She inquired her way to the police headquarters, 
and having found the room of the head official, 
stated her errand and all she knew concerning it. 
The officer asked her address, and she told him she 
64 had none,” whereupon he looked at her with sus- 


120 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


picion and surprise. She then told him her own tale 
of trouble, and that even now she was bound for the 
hospital to ask the good doctor who had attended 
her through her terrible illness, his assistance in find- 
ing her some place where she might earn a living 
waiting on an invalid. She knew she could do that, 
and she was friendless and penniless. 

The officer never relaxed the hard look in his face. 
He was so used to tales of sorrow and suffering, the 
wells of sympathy were dried, and he regarded all 
now from merely a business standpoint. 

He looked at her steadily for a minute, then 
touched a hand-bell at his side, which was answered 
by another officer, to whom he whispered something 
in an aside, and nodded in Miss Tabb’s direction. 
The last officer nodded an affirmative, and then the 
head official told her she could go, but to report at his 
office when she found a residence, as he might have 
need of her. She promised to do so, arose, and left 
the office, followed at a distance by the officer to 
whom the chief had whispered. 

Arriving at the hospital, she stated her dilemma 
to the doctor. He told her it was unusual to inter- 
est themselves in patients after they were discharged, 
but pitying her plight and feeling sure she was a 
lady, he would try and assist her. He had a patient 
outside the hospital who had been inquiring for a 
lady to assist in the sick-room. He would mention 
her case the following day, and meanwhile she could 
remain at the hospital. 


A CLEW. 


121 


She thanked the doctor in a choked voice, ana a 
torrent of lieart-felt words. Kindness was so rare it 
always touched her heart. 

He put her in charge of a nurse, and left to attend 
to his duties 


122 


FASHIONABLE SINS* 


CHAPTER XIV. 

THE UNKNOWN. 

The next day Miss Tabb was made happy by the 
doctor announcing to her that he had got a place for 
her, and she could accompany him as he made his 
morning visit. 

The revulsion of feeling to the homeless woman 
was too much, and she burst into tears and cried till 
her pinched nose was colored a gorgeous pink. To 
have a place that she could call home, although it 
might only be a temporary one, was intense joy to 
her. To live among nice refined people once again, 
what a pleasure ! 

She blessed the doctor all the time she was mak- 
ing her scanty preparations, and when he assisted 
her into his carriage, she blushed with pride. All 
the way she was casting side glances of admiration 
at his face, and thinking what a good man he was, 
and hoping every rich gift might be showered upon 
him. 

He assisted her to alight, when they arrived at 
their destination, and conducted her into the house, 
the pretty cottage occupied by the Dale family. He 
introduced her to the inmates. 


123 


THE UNKNOWN. 

His patient, Mrs. Dale, lie found no better, but 
free from pain. Life was simply ebbing out, the lit- 
tle sparks of vitality were dying one by one. He 
gave his final directions and left. Miss Tabb put on 
her apron, and entered upon her duties, duties soon 
to become labors of love. 

She had only been there a couple of weeks, when 
one evening, as the sun was bidding his usual good- 
night, and leaving his fiery kiss on the horizon, turn- 
ing the clouds purple, carmine and gold, the angel 
of Death entered the invalid’s room, and took the 
hand of Life, and with his icy touch congealed it into 
clay, upon which the sands of time forever falling 
crumbled into dust. 

The curtain slowly closed and shut off the known 
from the unknown. 

Another soul drifted — where ? 

What is beyond the great blue space of ether we 
gaze upon ? Is it the Heaven we hear so much 
about ? 

What are the stars that look down upon us ? Some 
are planets. Are the others angel’s eyes, watching 
like trusty guardians, and making their entries in the 
Book of Life ? Or are they some of the “ many man- 
sions in our Father’s house ” the Bible tells us of? 

No ! Cool-headed science tells us some are me- 
teors, some satellites, and a few may be dead worlds ; 
worlds that may have had their day like ours, but 
now the light, the life, the air, the water, are all gone ; 
a blackened mass of carbon, emitting nothing but 
poisonous gases. 


124 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


Will ours some day be a dead world also? Every 
soul transferred to its animate or inanimate resting- 
place, and this fair earth, now a master-piece of ar- 
tistic beauty wrought by its Creator’s will, then a 
mass of spongy carbon, revolving in space, burning 
its noxious gas ? 

Let us draw the veil ! Let us forget the fate that 
science points out must inevitably overtake the only 
home we know ! Let us imagine the little stars are 
angel’s eyes, and that beyond the blue dome, further 
than human vision can penetrate, there stands a land 
of perpetual beauty ; where flowers of gorgeous hue 
that never fade, waft on the air their delicate aroma ; 
where birds of many tints sing their sweet songs and 
warble all day, without fear of a huntsman’s rifle ; 
where sickness, or pain cannot enter ; where Love is 
throned prime minister of all ; where no official is 
required to enforce the law that God places in the 
hands of his prime minister, Love ; where ready to 
welcome us, stand the ones we have loved and lost ; 
all in peace and amity ; no petty jealousies, no be- 
trayal of friendships, no selfish urging ahead of our 
individual interest to the detriment of our brothers. 
Let us also think and hope there will not be stagna- 
tion there ! Why will not God’s law, observed ' on 
earth, still reign in Heaven ? Why will not the soul, 
so hampered here by physical weakness, by outer in- 
fluences and by circumstances, imprisoned in its ten- 
ement matter and beating against the bars, have its 
chance of freedom, freedom to gain the ascent we 


tfHE UNKNOWN. 


125 


long for, freedom to reach the summit on which our 
fair hopes have rested, freedom to grasp what our 
aspirations have longed for in vain in this world ? 

Who is it that dares with one crushing blow to 
dash that cup of bliss from our lips and leave again 
our hopes groveling in the dust ? 

Who is there so immaculate that dares to assert 
that with one bound we reach a fixed resting-place, 
regulated by the sphere we have occupied here and 
the duties performed, regardless of the pressure 
brought to bear upon us in that sphere ? 

Who dares to tell us that the all-seeing God will not 
take into consideration our weaknesses, our tempta- 
tions, our despair, our failures and our blasted hopes ; 
but will place the crown of eternal life on the head 
of one who never sinned greviously, because it was 
unnecessary, because life had been a bed of roses, 
guarded by kind and loving friends, and will doom 
to darkness she who has successfully passed through 
many struggles, but stumbled at last ? 

Who dares to tell us hard facts only, with no ex- 
tenuating circumstances, will be admitted at the 
judgment seat of God ? 

Dream on your fair dream of Heaven, one that 
makes you happier and better, true or false ! 

The future is but a supposition. We Jcnozv only 
that which we can see and prove and test by meth- 
ods that admit of no dispute. 

Therefore, picture it of beauty and of grandeur ! 
Live, if you wish, in the ideal, if by so doing you 


126 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


wrong no one, and hope lights a flame that guides 
you through a dark valley ! Let not the skeptic 
quench the flame and leave you in the darkness of 
disappointed waste, that ends with the earth closing 
over the ashes ! 

Mrs. Dale believed in a tangible Heaven, a King- 
dom of all that was rich, rare and beautiful, intensi- 
fied, etlierealized and purified ; where the Great King 
wielded His sceptre, and personally accepted the 
homage of His subjects ; and when her last page was 
written, and the angel recorded his last entry, she 
would float through the misty ether, cross the river 
in the bark of Death, and fall at her Creator’s feet 
and lift her voice in songs of praise. Death had no 
terrors for her. Her unsophisticated life had left a 
blissful purity, and faith had not been crushed by 
the boulders of injustice pressing upon it. 

The mind is bent by experience, and is essentially 
an individual thing, ungoverned by the formation of 
the tenement that holds it, further than to be weak- 
ened or strengthened by the influence of the physr 
cal condition of its temporary abiding-place. 

A brass setting and foil back would deceive the 
inexperienced as to the value of a diamond ; but 
tear it from its setting, let it shine alone indepen- 
dent of surroundings, the light gleams forth, and 
dazzles with its brilliancy. 

Wise judges are we of each other. We are too 
ready to place the stamp of approbation on the casket 
fair to see, although the jewels inside may be full of 


THE UNKNOWN. 


127 


flaws and paste ; and we pass by the canvas bag, 
lying neglected and unnoticed, full of its precious 
pure water gems. Such may be the caskets that 
contain the soul. 

The soul ! What is the soul ? Is it the mind ? Is 
it the heart? Or is it an invisible unknown essence 
— influenced by the two organs acting in conjunc- 
tion, heart and brains ? 

We have got beyond our depth, we are trying to 
penetrate that mystery beyond comprehension, and 
we fall back aghast, and say as Canute did on the 
sands of the sea, though with a different compre- 
hension : 

“Thus far shalt thou go and no further.” 

In Mrs. Dale’s narrow world there had been but 
one path to Heaven. Little things were the stumb- 
ling blocks that barred the way. As she raised her 
hands in nightly supplication toiler Creator, and said 
“ Lead us not into temptation,” she little dreamed 
what the words implied, and what temptation meant 
to the rough bark struggling on a stormy sea. Her 
temptations were merely as the foam quietly dash- 
ing on the shore, not the mad whirlpool lashed by a 
raging water. 

By the table sat Reginald, an open Bible in his 
hand. In a hushed voice he read the words of Rev- 
elations, “ And God shall wipe away all tears from 
their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither 
sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more 
pain, for the former things are passed away.” 


128 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


As the last word was half whispered, Eugenia, 
who knelt by her mother’s side, with her golden head 
buried in the pillow, burst into sobs. Mr. Dale was 
holding the invalid’s hand on the other side, while 
Miss Tabb was crying her nose red again at the win- 
dow. 

Mrs. Dale feebly placed her hand on Eugenia’s 
head, saying : 

“ Don’t cry, darling, I am only going a little while 
before to wait for you.” 

“ Oh, mamma ! Darling mamma ! Don’t leave 
me ! What will I do without your loving counsel 
all alone in this big world ? ” and Eugenia lifted her 
pathetic face to the loving one of her mother. 

“ God will take care of you, darling. Place your 
trust in Him, ask Him to guide you through the dark 
valley. He will answer your prayer if it comes from 
your heart,” whispered her mother. 

“But you, mamma ! Oh, how I shall miss you ! ” 
and sobs from the bottom of her heart burst forth 
again. 

The invalid turned to Reginald. 

“ Reginald, take good care of your sister, I leave 
her in your charge. I know you are good and true. 
I trust you. And you, dear husband, to you I leave 
both my children. Be to them father and mother 
now.” Then looking around the room she feebly 
said : “ Roland ? I cannot say good-bye to him, but 

tell him I thought of him at the last. Poor Miss 
Tabb, I thank you for your care and patience,” and 


THE UNKNOWN. 


129 


the weak voice gave out, and a smile lighted up the 
face, making what was darkness, daylight. 

Mrs. Dale motioned to be raised in bed. They 
did so ; but she seemed oblivious of all surroundings 
now, her eyes were fixed in the distance, and she 
murmured faintly now and then : “ Music ! Beau- 

tiful music ! ” 

Thus at peace with all, the soul drifted out, leav- 
ing its tenement so quietly that none realized it till 
the cold clay fell back on the pillow. The angels 
Faith and Hope hovered over her bed and beckoned 
their sister on. 


130 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


CHAPTER XV. 

THE APPEAL. 

% 

Mr. Dale folded the white hands on the breast 
and closed the staring blue eyes. 

As Colonel Robert Ingersoll so beautifully ex- 
presses it : “ A few tears, a few flowers, are all that 

the living can give to the dead.” 

A little unpretentious chapel, far from the aristo- 
cratic portion of the city, stood with its doors wide 
open, waiting to receive a funeral cortege. The plain 
simple altar was draped in black, covered with bo- 
quets of wild flowers, leaves and garlands of green, 
offerings from the poor ; the poor whom Mrs. Dale 
had worked amongst, giving her alms with words of 
kindness, instilling hope into their weary overbur- 
dened lives, and always maintaining that silence in 
regard to generous deeds, the silence which springs 
from a sensitive and refined nature that shrinks from 
wounding the feelings of another by publishing their 
misery, that endeared her to all hearts. She was a 
cheerful giver, looking for reward only in the satis- 
faction that springs from “ doing as you would be 
done by.” 

Reginald was pastor of this little place, and loved 


THE APPEAL. 


131 


with the same reverence as his mother, for his sin- 
cerity and devotion to his flock. To-day the pulpit 
was occupied by a stranger, robed in his long black 
gown. 

A noise of rolling carriages was heard, and the 
choir burst forth in their solemn music, “Nearer my 
God to Thee.” The bearers filed up the aisle with 
their long black burden with its silver handles, 
smothered in flowers, and deposited it on the rests 
prepared to receive it. The mourners followed, Mr. 
Dale and Reginald first, then Eugenia leaning on 
Roland’s arm, after them the friends. The back 
portion of the church was filled with the poor. 

The minister arose and read the touching Episco- 
pal service for the dead. 

It was over ; the mourners went to take their 
last look, before the loved one should be forever 
shut off from their longing gaze. 

As Eugenia looked again on the mother who had 
been so much to her, the floodgates of memory 
opened. She saw herself from a toddling child up 
to the present, with that loving mother always be- 
side her. Will she never be again? 

With a low wail she fainted on the casket. Ro- 
land tenderly lifted her, and bore her to the car- 
riage, and they were driven home. 

The last offices for the dead were over, the cold 
clods had dropped one by one with a dull thud on 
the casket, and echoed back in the hearts of the 
loved ones listening by the open grave. 


182 


FASHIONABLE SINS 


When earth spread her mantle of darkness over 
all, Eugenia lay tossing and moaning on her bed of 
pain ; and the little heart that was learning so rap- 
idly to beat beneath her own, was growing weaker 
and weaker. 

That night, in the still midnight hour, a little 
child saw the light ; and opening its big blue eyes in 
the world but once, closed them with a feeble wail 
forever. 

All through this trying time, Roland had been 
very attentive ; but now it was over, and the child 
he had looked forward to with pride was gone, he 
relapsed again into indifference, and the gulf that 
was hourly and daily widening between Eugenia and 
her husband bid fair to drown affection. 

As the weary days slowly passed Eugenia lay 
silently on the bed through the long, long hours, 
wondering. Miss Tabb was in attendance, and did 
her best to cheer the invalid and make her take some 
interest in what was going on around her. 

It was useless! She could do nothing but think. 
Why was Roland changed? She was not. They 
had been married three short years, and her husband 
was growing into almost a stranger. Was Cora 
right after all, on the night of their last day at 
school, when she read her the lesson of life, and 
sneered at her aspirations and her faith, and said 
“ My poor Eugenia, pray to die young ! ” ? 

Oh, that she could die ! Die, and end the dread- 
ful aching in her heart ! Die, and be with the 
mother whose love never wavered ! 


THE APPEAL. 


133 


Then she thought of school-days and of Cora. 
She too was changed, oh, so much ! There was no 
pleasant little exchanges of confidence now, and she 
so longed for a sympathetic friend to unbosom the 
pent up feelings of her heart to. Should she send 
for Cora, and tell her her trouble as in days past? 
How long ago they seemed ! She counted them by 
years, and it was barely five. Tell her her sorrow 
as they used to do as girls, when they brought their 
little grievances to each other and sympathized ? 

Yes, she would send for Cora. 

Calling Miss Tabb to her, she ordered her to dis- 
patch a note by a messenger for Cora, and then 
waited in a fever of excitement her coming. She 
resolved in her mind over and over, what she should 
say to her, till her head burned and ached. The 
minutes seemed to drag along. Would they never 
end? When the bell rang, it startled Eugenia and 
made her heart throb wildly. 

Miss Tabb answered the summons. As she opened 
the door and her eyes fell on Cora, the cloud that 
had obscured the past lifted suddenly from her brain. 
The past was clearly before her. She recognized 
her. Her joy was so intense that she fell at Cora’s 
feet and covered her hands with kisses. Cora, not 
understanding this extraordinary outburst, was very 
cold and distant, offended at such a demonstrative 
greeting from one whom she considered an inferior. 
Snatching her hand from Miss Tabb’s grasp, she 
swept past her to Eugenia’s chamber. 


134 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


As she looked on Eugenia’s sad, changed face, 
remorse touched her calloused heart, and made her 
sorry for a moment that she had helped betray her 
friend. She kissed her with averted eyes, saying : 

“ I am glad you are better, dear. Can I do any- 
thing for you, as you. sent for me? ” 

Eugenia raised herself in bed and looked into her 
schoolmate’s face. 

“ Cora, you were right,” exclaimed Eugenia, sadly, 
u when you told me I knew nothing of life. It has 
been a closed book to me. I have only read the title 
page. I seem to be groping in darkness, making 
failures of everything. You who are so much wiser 
than I, teach me what to do, as you used to do, when 
we were girls together and trusted each other ! ” 
-Eugenia’s thin hands held the firm warm fingers 
of her school-days’ friend, and she looked into her 
eyes with a sorrowful, questioning gaze, waiting for 
the advice she trusted Cora to give her. 

The blush dyed Cora’s cheek as she half turned 
away and answered with humility and averted eyes : 

“ Eugenia, I am not fit to teach you anything. 
What is it that I know, that you would wish to be 
taught? ” 

“ You know the world of men better than I do. 
Teach me to win back my husband’s love ! ” Eugenia 
asked, softly. 

The worldly face of Cora blanched, and a tremor 
of shame passed over her frame. 

“ My dear, what makes you think you have ever 
lost it?” Cora asked, anxiously. 


THE APPEAL. 


135 


“I feel it. I am an incumbrance now. Once I 
was his cherished wife,” Eugenia explained, bro- 
kenly. 44 Why this is, I do not know. I only feel 
that it is so. If I am a burden I will pray to die, * 
for I love my husband so well I would part with life, 
if by so doing he might be made happy again.” 

44 Hush, dear, you are foolish!” Cora replied, 
quickly and nervously. 44 You expect too much. 
Husbands are not lovers always, you know.” Then 
in a different tone she inquired, 44 Is not Roland kind 
to you? ” 

44 1 suppose so,” Eugenia answered, absently, 44 but 
it is the promptings of duty, not love. Cora, you 
give me no advice, no hope to win him back again ! ” 
she appealed, longingly. 

Cora had crossed to the window, and in spite of 
all her self-command, a tear of remorse rolled down 
her cheek. She bit her lip in anger, and drew her 
handkerchief from her pocket. As she did so, a 
note fell to the floor and remained there unnoticed. 
Hastily wiping the tears away, she turned to Eugenia. 

44 Eugenia, by the memory of our school-days, I 
swear to you I will help you ! ” she answered, de- 
terminedly. 44 How, I cannot tell you now. I must 
have time to think, but I swear to you Roland shall 
return ! ” Then, in a hurried tone, 44 1 cannot remain 
any longer now, dear, but I will come and see you 
to-morrow,” and hastily kissing her she sped down 
the stairs and out of the house. 

Miss Tabb returned to the sick-room to make Eu- 


136 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


genia comfortable ; then puttering around in her 
usual way, she espied the note and a glove beside' 
it, on the floor. Thinking the note might be one 
of the doctor’s prescriptions, she picked it up and 
opened it, reading the following words : 

“ My Dear Kind Miss : 

“I find myself in difficulties once more. I will 
call this afternoon. Please remain home, for I ex- 
pect you will be generous as before. 

“ Your obedient servant — 

“ Who will be silent on conditions.’ 

“ What a funny letter ! ” she thought. To whom 
did it belong? The writing looked familiar. 

She thought a moment, and then took from the 
bosom of her dress the old love letter and compared 
the two. 

Yes, the same! Her fingers trembled with excite- 
ment. She had found a clue ! She would tell no one 
till she discovered the writer of that letter. She would 
work it out all alone, and try and be of use yet to 
some one in the world. 

She turned toward the bed. Eugenia’s eyes were 
closed, but a big tear glistened on the lashes. Now 
and then a gentle sigh breathed forth. She went to 
her and imprinted a kiss on the pale forehead, which 
caused the blue eyes to open and a wan smile to 
play over her features. Miss Tabb was already at 
the door, and softly closed it behind her, unconscious 
that Eugenia was awake. 

Sleep, balmy sleep, how hard thou art to woo for 
the sick and sorrowing ! 


A RESOLUTION. 


137 



CHAPTER XVI. 

A RESOLUTION. 

Cora had formed a resolution, one involving great 
sacrifice on her part, as she considered it. Eugenia’s 
unsuspecting friendship and appeal, had touched her. 
She resolved that Roland should go back to his wife, 
and intended to carry out her design by marrying 
the general and leaving the country. She paced the 
floor backward and forward with knit brows and 
clinched hands, waiting for the general to make his 
evening visit. 

So much occupied was she in thought that she did 
not notice the ring at the door, and started when r 
timid knock sounded at her own door. She impa- 
tiently bid the knocker enter. The door slowly 
opened and John stood on the threshold, a bland and 
insinuating smile on his face. 

“ You see, dear lady, I am punctual to my appoint- 
ment,” he said, with an exasperating grin. 

“ You are mistaken, sir. I made no appointment 
with you,” Cora replied, in haughty tones. 

“Perhaps not. But it will amount to the same 
thing,” he continued, suavely. “ If you will be so 
good as to give me a little money, it will save us 
both further annoyance.” 


138 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ How dare you demand money of me ? ” she 
flashed back at him. “No! I have assisted you 
enough. You are ungrateful. I gave to you out of 
pity, but now you assume a tone of demand. Leave 
my house ! ” and she pointed imperiously to the 
door. 

“ Hold, my proud young lady, not so fast ! ” he 
sneered. “ I have a secret to sell. Will you buy it, 
or shall I take my goods to other markets?” 

Behind John, in the shadow, stood Miss Tabb. 
She had got Cora’s address from Eugenia, and came 
ostensibly to return the glove, but in reality to ask 
the name of the writer of that mysterious letter. 
Hearing voices, she stood back in the darkness of 
the entry, hesitating about knocking for admission, 
when the above conversation fell upon her ear. She 
leaned forward eagerly so as not to miss a word. 

Cora was answering the threat just made, saying : 
“ I defy you to prove one word against me ! Go to 
General Granger by all means. He will have you 
thrown into the street. Dare to show your villain- 
ous countenance again in my presence, and I will 
have you arrested as a blackmailer ! Do not think I 
am a child to be bullied into your scheme for extor- 
tion ? Will you leave this room, or shall I summon 
a servant to call an officer ? ” She paused for his 
decision. 

Miss Tabb waited for no more, but glided down 
the stairs and into the street, taking up her station 
where she could get a good view of the man’s face 
as he came from the house. 


A RESOLUTION. 


i39 


•Vy 

John’s face grew dark as Cora ceased speaking. 
The mention of the police had sent a disagreeable 
feeling all over him. He would prefer to keep away 
from them. Although nothing could occur to con- 
nect him with the crime in “ Rickety Row,” yet he 
preferred not to hear them mentioned, even. 

An evil look came into his face as he meditated : 
“ Well, the world is against me, but it owes me a liv- 
ing. I will have it. What does one crime more or 
less matter? Pshaw ! I am getting used to it.” 

He stood glaring at Cora, making up his mind to 
spring at her and take by force the large solitaires in 
her ears. He would gag and bind her. By the time 
she could get free, he would be many blocks away. 

Before he could put the plan into execution, Cora 
had touched the bell and summoned the servant, 
which made him hesitate. Then hearing the foot- 
steps approaching, he assumed again his humble atti- 
tude. 

“ Dear miss,” he whined, “ I am going. Should 
you reconsider your decision, there is my post-office 
address,” handing her a card, which she ignored as 
she turned her back and walked away. A sinister 
grin spread over his face and he laid the card on the 
table. “I will call again, miss,” he said, respectfully, 
as the servant reached the door, not wishing to take a 
third party into his confidence. He bowed politely 
to Cora, and left the house. Cora turned to the girl. 

“ Never admit that man to my presence again, I 
will not be annoyed with beggars ! You understand 
me ? ” she demanded. 


140 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ Yes, marm,” the girl answered, meekly. 

“ You can go ! ” Cora abruptly ordered, and the 
girl departed. 

John came out of the house, grinding his teeth 
and muttering to himself, and almost ran into Miss 
Tabb, who, in her eagerness to scan his face and 
print it indelibly on her memory, had taken her sta- 
tion almost in front of the house. She stared at him 
intently, but he did not notice her, so absorbed was 
he in his own meditations. When she was satisfied 
with her scrutiny, she turned her back on him and 
almost flew down the street, bound for the office of 
the chief of police. So hurried had been her trip, 
that when she was shown into the office, her bonnet 
was awry, her hair streaming in straight locks around 
her face, and her cheeks flushed. 

She started to tell her story, but was panting so for 
breath that the chief could not make “ head or tail ” 
to her disconnected speech, and recommended her to 
be seated and take a few minutes to breathe, and 
then commence again. 

She did so, but kept her eyes on the chief with a 
hungry look, as if she was afraid he would depart 
before her story was told, and all her labor be in 
vain. After a lapse of five minutes she commenced 
again, a little more intelligently this time. 

She started in with the finding of the old love let- 
ter in the straw, and was reprimanded by the chief 
for not immediately bringing it to him, together with 
the marriage certificate. She meekly apologized, and 


A RESOLUTION. 


141 


stated her excuses in elaborate terms ; but they were 
cut short by a stern “ Go on with your story,” from 
the chief. 

She continued then to tell how she was sent to 
nurse Mrs. Dale, and launched forth into an eulogy 
on the departed lady ; but she was again cut short 
by the chief, who remarked : 

“ Stick to the thread of your story. Never mind 
anybody else.” 

With a sigh to the memory of poor Mrs. Dale, she 
went on to relate how she attended the sick bed of 
Mrs. Dale’s daughter, and when and where she 
found the other letter ; of her suspicion concerning 
it, and her comparison of the handwriting of both 
letters ; then of the visit to Cora’s house under the 
excuse of returning a glove, but with the intention 
of learning who the writer of the letters was, if 
possible. The front door being ajar, she entered un- 
announced and was about to rap at Miss Cora’s door, 
when the sound of loud talking deterred her and she 
shrank back in the shadow of the entiy to wait, and 
overheard the conversation, which she related word 
for word. She finished triumphantly by remarking 
that she had even seen the man face to face and 
could identify him. 

The chief rang the bell and sent for a noted detec- 
tive, and each of them questioned Miss Tabb closely. 
They felt convinced she had told the truth. The de- 
tective intended to work on the information she had 
given, and another detective was detailed to watch 


142 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


Cora’s house, Miss Tabb being unaware of the sus- 
pected man’s whereabouts at present, and ordered to 
arrest anyone of compromising appearance. If Miss 
Tabb’s information was found to be correct and the 
man she had designated really was the murderer, 
she was promised the offered reward. 

Miss Tabb then left the office, feeling herself of 
some importance at last. 

Meantime, John had skulked away, with ven- 
geance grinding in his heart. He had decided to 
join a gang of robbers and make a raid on Cora’s 
house. With this intention he started to find some 
of his newly acquired pals. 

Cora was still pacing the floor, waiting with im- 
patience for the general ; and as he entered her pres- 
ence, she, in passing the fender, caught the jet trim- 
ming of her black silk. With an angry jerk she 
tore it away for about a yard, scattering the jet in 
all directions over the carpet. 

The general hobbled across the floor and began to 
condole with her on account of the accident. Tak- 
ing the injured portion of the dress in his hands to 
examine it, she snatched it from his grasp. 

“ Never mind the dress ! Sit down ! Will you 
marry me now ? ” she demanded, without prelude. 
Her eyes flashed fire. 

The general fell into a seat, open mouthed, and 
stared at her. He did not feel sure whether she had 
threatened his life, or asked him to marry her ; so he 
was speechless. 


A RESOLUTION. 


143 


This annoyed her still more, and she stamped her 
foot, continuing : “ Did you hear me ? I said, will 
you marry me ? ” 

He looked puzzled, but replied soothingly : “ Yes 
— yes angel — what — matter? — don’t angry.” 

“ Well, what are you sitting there for, so stupid? 
why don’t you get up and stir around ? ” she de- 
manded. 

He looked around vacantly and arose, but seeing 
no cause for stirring, again tried to soothe her. 

“ Yes, my dear — what do ? — when ? — explain self, 
pet.” 

“ Don’t call me your pet ! ” she exclaimed, petu- 
lantly. “ You weary me. Go do as I tell you,” and 
she pointed to the door. 

The general walked slowly to the door, dazed, 
then stopped and ventured to inquire again, “ My 
dear — don’t know — what mean ? ” 

“ What ! you refuse to marry me ? ” she burst forth. 
“After all your protestations of eternal affection! 
Very well ! very well ! I might have known it ! ” she 
exclaimed, with a settled air of conviction. 

“My angel?” he replied, and seized her hand. 
He attemped to kneel, but his joints had stiffened and 
refused to bend without aid and support, so he gave 
it up. “ Marry you ? ” he hastened to assure her. 
“ Delighted — light of my life— anything you want 
— explain — so sudden — what altered you — what 
must do ? — wait your direction — then go — do any- 
thing —immediately.” He paused and anxiously 
awaited her commands. 


144 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ Very well, then it is settled ! ” she replied, short- 
ly. “Go get a license ! To-day is Thursday. We 
will be married Sunday, at Mr. Dale’s church, after 
the service. Notify him of the fact. Then engage 
passage for Europe on the steamer sailing Monday.” 

“ But — angel — ” he remonstrated, “ think— busi- 
ness — can’t be done,” and he shook his head energet- 
ically. 

“ Oh, you can’t marry me, eh? ” and she withered 
him with a look. 

“Yes — yes — angel — ” he hurried to explain. “ You 
mistake — Europe can’t be done — business.” 

“ It can be done ! ” she answered, decidedly. 
“ You have two days to settle your business in. 
Any man could settle it in that time, if he was 
smart enough,” she declared, with conviction. “ If 
you wish to marry me at all, you will marry me Sun- 
day, and we will leave for Europe Monday. Things 
will be just as I say, or not at all,” and she paused 
a moment. “Well, I am waiting? What is your 
answer? Do we go to Europe Monday or not?” 
she questioned, impatiently. 

“Yes, yes — angel — of course — you say so,” here- 
plied, with resignation. 

“ Then go and attend to matters, and do not waste 
time ! ” she ordered. 

“ Yes — angel,” and he moved away, shaking his 
head with a puzzled gesture, for he could not com- 
prehend why Cora had made up her mind to marry 
him so suddenly. But she seemed to be in such a 


A RESOLUTION. 


145 


fractious mood he dared not question her further, 
and decided to obey in silence. 

After he had gone she sat down, and slammed her 
elbow on the table, remarking to herself: “Well, I 

have, after all, made a sacrifice to friendship ! ” She 
was astonished at herself. 

Had she? Was this one of those sacrifices that 
will be recorded in the Book of Life? Was it even 
an atonement for a scarlet sin ? 

10 


146 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


CHAPTER XVII. 

PREPARATION. 

Friday morning Cora was up bright and early, 
dressed for walking, her eyes glistening with the 
coming excitement of a woman’s favorite occupation, 
the choosing of elaborate toilets. She was bound 
on the business of ordering her wedding trousseau . 
It must be curtailed, for she could allow them bare- 
ly two days to prepare it. The large retail houses 
where she always had a standing bill to the general’s 
account, could do much in two days, especially when 
price was not taken into consideration. 

The first garment to be chosen must be the wed- 
ding dress. How much care is always taken in the 
choosing of that one garment, one to be worn so 
short a time, but one that lives in the memory, when 
eyes grow dim, and youthful vigor fails ! It is the 
garment a woman wears on the eve when she leaves 
the old life ‘behind and commences the new, when 
light-hearted childhood dies and we face the stern 
realities of life. 

But some never have a childhood. It is always 
premature old age from the cradle to the grave, with 
its cares and troubles. Then the wedding garment 


PREPARATION. 


147 


marks no epoch in that life, but is tossed aside to be 
worn out with the rest. 

To Cora it was simply a fashion. As she delight- 
ed in elegant apparel, any excuse was sufficient 
for the indulgence of new robes. She was looking 
very handsome to-day, dressed all in black-velvet, 
with long drooping ostrich plumes shading her 
flushed cheeks, and the diamond pin and ear drops 
flashing with every ray of sunlight that shot across 
them. 

As she entered L ’s large warehouse, every 

eye was fixed upon her. When she reached the 
dress department, the clerks dropped their several 
occupations, and each vied with the other to see who 
should wait on the handsome lady who gave her 
orders with such lavish disregard of money. 

She tossed the silks and satins right and left. 
“ No ! I will have none of them,” she remarked, 
petulantly. The clerk was at his wit’s end to know 
what to offer for inspection next. At last it occur- 
red to him to show the latest importation from 
Worth’s, a marvel of rich simplicity, dove-colored 
camel’s hair goods, embroidered elaborately with 
tiny oxydized silver beads, and only $1,000. The 
dress suited, the price was not considered for a 
moment. She ordered it on the spot, and the polite 
clerk danced attendance with his most approved 
business smile. 

She spent a couple of hours more in the place, 
ordering the numerous articles that go to make up a 


148 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


well dressed lady’s toilet ; and after a delicate little 
luncheon, in a fashionable restaurant, she started for 
Eugenia’s to inform her of her sudden resolution. 

Eugenia was sitting up, in loose invalid robes, 
gazing with indifferent look ( the look that says the 
light and hope in life is slowly dying out, only ashes 
remain to smoulder on) out of the window. As she 
heard Cora’s step she turned her pale face toward 
her, and languidly gave her her thin hand. 

Cora stooped to kiss the white brow, then sudden- 
ly straightened up and walked to the window. No ! 
she could not give the friend she had wronged a 
Judas kiss. Her sense of honor was not keen, 
but she revolted at that. So she merely said : 

“ I hope you are better this morning, dear.” 

“ I do not know. I never think about it, it makes 
so little difference now,” Eugenia replied, in a sad 
tone, as she again looked out of the window. 

“ I suppose Roland has gone to his business now, 
but you have him evenings, do you not, dear ? ” 
questioned Cora. 

“ No, he goes to his club. I do not expect him to 
remain home now, everything is so dull, 1 ’ she an- 
swered, with a weary sigh. 

“ Then it is his place to remain and cheer you up, 
and I shall tell him so,” Cora said, decidedly. 
“ Hark ! is not that Roland returning ? ” and she 
paused to listen as a sound of opening and shutting 
of doors and heavy steps were heard. 

“ Yes, he must have forgotten something,” Eugenia 
suggested. 


PREPARATION. 


149 


Roland entered the room hurriedly and com- 
menced : 44 Eugenia, I — ” and then he stopped short 
on the threshold, astonished at seeing Cora there, for 
she came seldom now. 

44 Good-morning, Roland,” Cora said, pleasantly. 

44 Good-morning, Cora,” he replied, in puzzled 
tones. 

A woman is always more fertile in expedients to 
extricate herself from a difficult situation than a 
man, so Cora commenced glibly : 

44 You seem astonished to see me here ? I have 
been very neglectful, I acknowledge, to my school- 
days’ friend,” and she smiled at Eugenia. “Very 
selfish, also; but I am going to make up for it. I 
am coming every day to see Eugenia until I go 
away,” and she uttered the last remark with cool 
indifference, as if it had been a settled fact for 
some time and would not create any surprise. 

Roland started, but Cora never heeded him, and 
rattled on pleasantly to him. 

46 1 am going to lecture you very soundly, if you 
do not remain home evenings, and cheer her up. 
Bring your friends and rouse her from the torpor 
into which her troubles have left her.” Cora waited 
for his answer. 

Eugenia was vacantly looking at the carpet, and 
Roland was staring into Cora’s face with an intent 
and penetrating gaze. 

“You are going away? ” he asked, and his voice 
sounded hollow. 


150 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


Eugenia looked up. “ You did not tell me that, 
Cora,” she remarked, inquiringly. 

“ No ? how careless of me ! ” Cora replied, lightly. 
“ You see, I am a creature of whims and fancies. I have 
taken it into my head to pass the winter in Europe. 
We will sail on Monday. Of course, I cannot travel 
all by myself, so I have consented to take the general 
along, in the capacity of husband,” and she laughed 
a constrained laugh, and half glanced at Roland. 

He paled visibly, but Eugenia did not notice it. 

u You are going to marry ? ” he inquired, in hard 
tones. 

“ Yes, does it astonish you ? ” and Cora looked him 
fairly in the face. “ I suppose I am at liberty to do 
so, I am free, you know ! ” and she tossed her head 
with a defiant movement. 

“Perfectly so,” he replied, quickly and sternly. 
“ I am only astonished that we had not heard of 
your intention before,” he continued, with a little 
sneer. 

This little facial by-play had not been noticed 
by Eugenia, who had been preoccupied with thought, 
but she now looked up and spoke sweetly. 

“ Tell me all about it, dear. When and where 
are you going to be married, and why you take 
us so by surprise ? ” she asked, with a feeble little 
smile. 

Cora drew a chair opposite Eugenia and turned 
her face to Roland, who had stepped partly behind 
Eugenia. 


PREPARATION. 


151 


44 You see, dear, I am one of those erratic beings,” 
Cora replied, speaking to Eugenia, but her eyes fixed 
on Roland, 44 who always seek for pastures new. I 
am tired of everything.” Roland bit his lip, as a 
sneer passed over his face. 44 As the general has been 
very kind and patient, I have rewarded him at 
last.” 

She gave Roland, who had been glaring at her 
with half-closed lids, another defiant look ; then 
turned her attention to Eugenia, and continued 
speaking in a lighter tone. Eugenia had been too 
unsuspicious to observe the by-play, and was idly 
toying with the folds of her negligee , her eyes cast 
down. 

44 We are to be married at Reginald’s little chapel, 
after service Sunday,” Cora continued. 

Eugenia looked up with a gratified smile. 

44 1 am sorry, dear, you cannot come and see me 
sacrifice myself,” and she gave an affected laugh, 
then looked at Roland. 

44 You will come, will you not, Roland?” she in- 
quired, sarcastically. 

44 No ! ” he answered, sternly. 

Eugenia looked up astonished. 

64 Why not, my dear?” she inquired, mildly, it 
was so unusual for him to speak to a guest in such 
a manner. 

44 1 have an important appointment at the club. I 
cannot delay it,” he replied, with annoyance. 

44 Oh, very well, but you can congratulate me, of 
course,” answered Cora, insinuatingly. 


152 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ I prefer to congratulate the general,” he replied, 
with veiled sarcasm, “ on the acquisition of such a 
devoted wife, so true, so constant ! He looked her 
full in the eyes, and she shrugged her shoulders and 
turned to Eugenia, who was staring at the carpet in 
thought. 

“ You will congratulate me, dear ? ” she asked, 
softly. 

“ With all my heart, both you and the general! ” 
the sweet blue eyes lifted to Cora’s with sincerity. 
“ May your journey to Europe give you great pleas- 
ure, and I also hope your journey through life may 
be happier still ! ” and the voice ended in a dreamy 
whisper. 

Cora looked at her a moment with regret, then 
said lightly, as she arose : 

“Well, I have so much to do, I must be going. 
Now try and get well and strong, dear, for Roland 
will take great care of you, I know. I will just run 
in to-morrow, and say good-bye.” 

As she arose, Eugenia asked: “Won’t you kiss 

me, Cora, before you go ? ” 

Cora glanced quickly at Roland. The look on his 
face said, “You dare not.” She gave him a defiant 
glance, stooped, and kissed Eugenia’s cheek, and 
then hastily walked to the door. 

“I will see you to the door,” Roland suggested; 
with elaborate politeness. 

“ Thanks, but it is not necessary,” she replied, 
curtly. 


PREPARATION. 


153 


44 Courtesy demands it,” opening the door for her 
and following her out, closing the door tightly be- 
hind him. 

When they were well out of Eugenia’s hearing, he 
placed his hand on Cora’s shoulder and turned her 
around facing him ; then looking her in the face, he 
demanded : 

44 Why do you do this thing ? ” 

44 Because I wish to,” she answered, defiantly, 46 and 
because it is time you returned to your duty.” 

44 Don’t you think it is rather late in the day for 
you to think of my duty ? ” he asked, with a sneer. 

44 Perhaps, but better late than never,” she replied, 
lightly. 

44 Your candor is charming ! How I envy the gen- 
eral his spotless wife ! ” 

His half-closed eyes and contemptuous tone mad- 
dened her, and she answered : 

44 Silence, sir ! I demand that the past be buried 
in oblivion ! — I was vain and foolish,” she continued, 
in explanation. 44 1 cannot ask Eugenia’s forgive- 
ness. It is better she is left in ignorance, but I will 
try and atone.” 

44 Your disinterestedness really touches me! 
Sacrifice on Miss Valentine’s part is beautiful to be- 
hold ! ” 

His manner was self-possessed, his tone so quiet, 
that she did not see the slumbering passion surging 
beneath the surface ; so answered him, tauntingly : 

44 Thanks, but don’t you think it rather dangerous 


164 


FASHIONABLE SINS, 


for people who live in glass houses to throw stones? 
If I have been guilty of a misdemeanor, are you in- 
nocent? My follies will not hurt Eugenia! Yours 
will ! So for her sake, I have decided we will be 
strangers henceforth ! ” 

“ May I ask the reason you tempted me into the 
greatest folly of my life ? ” he inquired, in a sup- 
pressed tone. “ Why in so short a time you are 
tired of my love ? ” No answer being vouchsafed, he 
said in soft pleading tones, “ Cora, have you ceased 
to love me ? ” 

“ Did I ever profess to do so ? I have forgotten,” 
she answered, indifferently. 

“ It is false, you have forgotten nothing ! ” and his 
burning hand seized her wrist and his breath hissed 
in her ear. “Not even the many times I have rained 
kisses on your willing lips ! Is it thus that I lavished 
the wealth of my heart on you ! ” 

His husky voice, and the unexpected outburst of 
passion startled her, and she shrank away from him. 
He continued to draw her near to him with an iron 
grasp, while his burning eyes were riveted on hers 
with an all-devouring look. 

“ I forgot duty for you ! You promised to be con- 
stant, and I believed you! Now you say you have 
forgotten ! ” and he threw her from him, and taking 
his handkerchief from his pocket, wiped away a tear 
of wounded vanity. 

“ Because it is time to forget,” she replied, in 
hushed tones. Then she continued, in a matter-of- 


PREPARATION. 155 

fact manner : “ The general can give me position, 

you cannot. So I have decided to be his wife.” 

“ You love him, then ? ” he inquired. 

“ Of course not ! how absurd ! ” she answered. 

“You still love me, Cora?” He took her hand 
more gently this time, as he tenderly made the in- 
quiry. 

“ Certainly not ! If I did, I should not marry the 
general,” she replied, coldly. 

He dropped her hand. “ I do not understand,” 
i he said, puzzled. 

“ Perhaps not. Your sex never does show great 
penetration in judging ours. You usually mistake 
brass for gold.” 

She seemed to take a pleasure in taunting him, so 
lightly rattled off her remarks in a sarcastic tone. 
He stood watching her, vainly trying to read the 
heart of the woman who stood before him. 

“ There is where my great generosity comes in. I 
am going to remove the brass and send you back to 
the gold,” with a sneering laugh. After a slight 
pause she continued : “ What ! you do not under- 

stand yet? Well, I can remain no longer. I ad- 
vise you to think it out,” she remarked, pointedly. 
“ Good-morning.” 

She then coolly opened the door and bowed to 
Roland, who stood looking after her with a stern, 
undecided air. After a pause his face relaxed, and 
muttering a curse, he walked away to his smoking- 
room and turned the key. He seated himself at his 
desk, and buried his face in both hands to think. 


156 


FASHIONABLE SINS 


Eugenia was also thinking, having heard a distant 
murmur of voices from the hall ; but to her the clue 
was not given, the time had not come for the 
“ Damocles sword that hung by a single thread ” to 
fall. 


THE BOBBERY. 


157 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

I 

THE ROBBERY. 

Saturday was a busy day for Cora. She had dis- 
missed the little incident of the previous day from 
her mind. Hers was a nature too selfish to allow 
anything that referred to others to affect her. She 
was very much in love, but it was with herself. She 
allowed no man to have hold enough upon her heart 
to disturb her. 

Her intrigue with Roland was but a fleeting infat- 
uation. He had resisted her coquetry at first, which 
had piqued her, and made him a prize worth her win- 
ning. When he was fairly won, and the slave to her 
caprice, her ardor waned, and she realized that she 
had not been as much in love with him as she had 
at first supposed; hence her willingness to give him 
up. 

The general she detested. But then, he was rich, 
and many a bitter pill is swallowed, well sugared. 
His money would enable her to live in the luxury she 
loved, without which luxury, life to her seemed a 
treadmill, grinding out disagreeable duties to the 
click of time. 

Cora did not intend to become a model wife. She 


158 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


liked to flirt, and she intended to do so. She 
knew that she was handsome, and that men 
always flocked around a handsome woman. She 
hoped the general would not be disagreeable about 
it, because it would do him no good, and only lead 
to quarreling ; and she did so dislike quarreling, it 
required so much exertion ; but she had resolved to 
have her own way. Her theory was that if a man 
went out of his own generation for a wife, and 
wanted one young enough to be his daughter, he 
ought to make all the concessions, not she . 

The general had been very busy getting his affairs 
into order so that he could leave them, at Cora’s bid- 
ding, on Monday. He was as happy as a school-boy 
playing truant. His infatuation for Cora grew in pro- 
portion to the trouble she gave him, and she was not - 
at all backward in expressing her ^wishes. He had 
engaged the largest stateroom on the steamer, and 
ordered it to be decked with flowers. He also sent 
a large basket of cut flowers to be used in decorating 
the church for the ceremony. 

He was so proud of his affianced wife he would 
have liked to have had the wedding take place with 
all the pomp and ceremony possible, and to be “ seen 
of men ” in one of the most fashionable churches, 
but Cora set her face against it resolutely. It should 
be strictly private, she insisted, and Reginald should 
perform the ceremony. As she had neither love nor 
respect to give the general, the marriage was of so 
little consequence, she wished to avoid publicity. 


THE BOBBERY. 


159 


She had been in a perfect whirl of excitement all 
day, trying on dresses, receiving parcels, scrutinizing 
their contents, and superintending the packing of 
her numerous trunks ; so that when night came, she 
was very tired ; so much so, that she had tossed her 
valuable jewelry in a little heap on the bureau, and 
leaving her room in the same confused disorder in 
which it had been all day, quickly disrobed and 
throwing herself on the bed, was soon sound asleep. 

* * * * * 

As the hands of one of the large clocks pointed 
to twelve, a man cautiously skulked down the street. 
When near Cora’s house, he suddenly disappeared in 
a doorway. 

Soon the noise of a cat mewing was heard ; prob- 
ably a signal, for shortly after, another man appear- 
ed and followed the first one’s example. A few min- 
utes passed, and then the two men appeared and 
noiselessly crept up the steps, and after little delay 
with the latchkey, entered the house and softly closed 
the door behind them. 

A lynx eyed shadow, concealed by a doorway 
across the street, poked out his head and softly blew 
a whistle. It was soon answered by two men, and 
the three detectives, for such they were, crossed the 
street and waited quietly at the basement door for 
the reappearance of the thieves. 

The thieves crept up the stairs. As John, who 
was one of them, was well posted on the location of 


160 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


the rooms and the arrangement of the furniture, he 
carried his lantern covered, and entered Cora’s room 
alone, his mate remaining on the landing to sound 
an alarm in ease of interruption. He groped his 
way slowly, and came near stumbling over things oc- 
casionally ; but by the aid of a flitting gleam from 
his lantern, got along tolerably quiet. 

When he reached the bureau, he turned the lan- 
tern with one flash on Cora. She was soundly sleep- 
ing, with her arms thrown over her head. He next 
cast his rays on the bureau, and the rich gems caught 
the light, and glittering, flashed back its rays. 

John chuckled to himself, and muttered: 44 Very 
kind of Miss Cora to leave these for me so nice and 
handy,” and he deftly distributed them in his pock- 
ets. 

A slight noise from the bed caused him to pause 
and grasp the revolver in his outside pocket. 

All was still again. He waited a moment, then 
turned the rays of the lantern full on Cora. She 
was sitting up in bed, staring at him with wide open 
eyes. He levelled the revolver at her, and going 
close to her said in a whisper : 

“ Be quiet, or your life will be in peril ! ” 

She seemed to pay no attention to him whatever, 
but continued to stare into vacancy, un heedful of 
the presence of an intruder. John was astonished, 
but for fear she might be playing him a sharp trick, 
he kept the revolver levelled at her head. 

She smiled to herself, arose from the bed, and 


THE ROBBERY. 


161 


walking across the room, unlocked her desk and took 
from it a package of letters tied with red ribbon* 

By this time John had come to the conclusion that 
she was walking in her sleep, and waited to see what 
was her intention in regard to the letters. 

She made straight for the fireplace. John divined 
that the letters were from her lover and that she was 
going to burn them. He resolved that she should 
not. He would interfere and prevent it. Those let- 
ters were valuable to him, if from Roland Dupont, 
and would bring a handsome ransom. Mr. Dupont 
and Cora also would pay heavily rather than be 
disgraced. 

Cora made a movement to throw the letters into 
the fire. John made a dash to stay her hand, but 
stumbled and fell heavily against her. The package 
dropped to the floor. At the same time the shock 
awoke her; but before he could prevent it, she had 
uttered a piercing scream ; which, owing to the still- 
ness of midnight, must have been heard by the en- 
tire house. 

He dared not wait longer to secure the letters, for 
the scream would undoubtedly bring people to her 
assistance. So he bounded from the room and down 
the stairs, followed by his pal, out into the street, 
and into the arms of the three detectives waiting to 
receive them. They were speedily handcuffed, and 
as they were about to be marched off to the station 
house, the head detective looked into John’s face and 
said : 


11 


162 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“John Smith, I have had a warrant for your ar- 
rest for some time now ! ” 

The name so long discarded, acted like magic on 
the prisoner. A shiver passed over him, and his 
knees trembled so that it was with difficulty he could 
stand alone. The horrors of. that last night in 
“ Rickety Row ” came back to him with alarming 
clearness. He looked into the detective’s face with 
a frightened glance, and said, doubtfully : “ For rob- 
bery? ’’hoping against hope that his fear was un- 
grounded. 

“ No, for murder ! ” the detective answered, sternly. 
His sin had come home to him at last ! 


'4 


\ 








cora’s wedding. 


163 


CHAPTER XIX. 

CORA’S WEDDING. 

The church bells pealed forth their silvery chimes. 
A solemn stillness permeated the air, a stillness no- 
ticeable even in a crowded city on a Sabbath day. 
The very air breathed of rest and quiet. The foot- 
steps on the pavement echoed back a louder sound 
than on week daj^s. The congregations of the dif- 
ferent churches decorously filed to their places of 
worship, arrayed in the best that money could pur- 
chase and fashion design. Many a purse was strained 
to its utmost to keep up appearances. 

Keep up appearances ! How out of place the word 
seems, used in connection with a temple dedicated to 
God, a place where the example of Christ is supposed 
to be taught, where all should be simplicity, as His 
life was ! 

His temples, when he lived on earth, were groves ; 
to-day they are palaces, with stained windows, velvet 
cushions and expensive decorations. His worshipers 
were poor and sincere then, seeking divine help in 
Nature’s temples ; to-day they are rich, clad in silks, 
furs and diamonds, going through the formula of 
worship, listening to eloquence rather than divine 
procept. Does the incongruity never strike one? 


164 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ All is vanity,” saith the preacher. Yea, verily ! 
We echo the sentiment. So vain indeed, that poor 
simplicity must be content to make her appeal to her 
Creator alone, in the recess of her closet ; or be 
crushed into obscurity, unheeded, by the blaze of 
diamonds and rustle of silks. 

“Charity covereth a multitude of sins,” saith the 
Bible. Lips still echo the sentiment; but Custom, 
which holds the reins of moral government, has tac- 
itly acknowledged it to mean, “ Wealth covers a mul- 
titude of sins.” To pour oil on the troubled waters 
of the conscience, it is necessary to mitigate the 
meaning of other words, that they may not offend 
the influential, should they apply ; thus, what is sin 
in the poor, is called eccentricity in the rich. Let us 
hope that in that world to which we all dimly look 
forward to, Custom will be thrown out of office, and 
Society’s laws declared null and void ; that the heart 
alone may be judged b} T its worth, and Justice may 
not accept bribery to tip the scales ; that fame and 
infamy may not shake hands together ; that we, like 
a flock of sheep, may not play at “ follow the leader,” 
and chase the shadow while the substance melts 
away. 

* * * * # 

Cora was ready for church. She had gone through 
the little formula at the police office of claiming her 
jewels, and signing her affidavit, containing all she 
knew, which was very little, concerning the robbery 


cora’s wedding. 


165 


and the identification of John. Then she washed 
her hands of the whole affair, and left justice to un- 
ravel the tangled skein. 

The general was waiting to hand her to the car- 
riage. His black suit had a creaseless newness ; his 
high white collar chafed his fat neck till it left a long 
red mark, and kept his head bobbing first on one 
side and then on the other to relieve the chafing. 
His bald head was shining, and the scanty grey 
locks around it were pomatumed and perfumed to 
an alarming extent. His moustache was a jetty 
black, but owed its tint to cosmetic. By the aid 
of a few hairs extracted from the tail of a horse, 
and moulded by the skillful hands of his barber, it 
stuck out like the quills of a porcupine. The rest 
of his face was clean shaven. . His large hands were 
encased in tan- colored kids, upon which he cast a 
pugilistic look at odd times, as if he had a strong 
desire to tear the fingers apart and relieve the 
straight -jacket feeling of his hands. 

To sum it all up, the general was immensely un- 
comfortable, and was wondering all the way from his 
home, why it was he did not feel that elevated joy 
which obliterated outward surroundings, which he 
had heard was proper for bridegrooms to feel. 

Cora was standing before the glass, admiring her- 
self. She turned toward him as he entered, with a 
self-satisfied smile. 

“ Oh, General,” she exclaimed, “ don’t you think 
my dress lovely? ” 


166 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“Not half — lovely — wearer ! ” and the small grey 
eyes twinkled as he made a gushing movement to 
embrace her. 

“ Don’t, General, you will muss my dress ! ” and 
she shook his hands off petulantly. 

“ My angel — one kiss — begin life — hand in hand ? ” 
he asked, longingly, gazing at the tempting vision of 
loveliness before him. 

“ Yes, I know all that,” she replied, derisively, 
“ but let us begin sensibly, General, not like a senti- 
mental pair of fools.” Then in common-place tone, 
“ See, it is time for service. I want to hear Reginald 
preach the last sermon I shall hear in my native land. 
— Pshaw ! I believe I am getting sentimental also,” 
and she shrugged her shoulders and continued, with 
a short laugh, as she moved toward the door, “ Come 
along, General.” Then she swept down to the car- 
riage, leaving the old man to follow, with a disap- 
pointed look on his face. 

The carriage was not long in reaching the little 
chapel, and as Cora and the general filed in and took 
their seats, all eyes were fixed upon them, and many 
were the surmises as to who and what they were, for 
it was some time now since Cora last visited the 
chapel. 

The little house of worship was filled with new 
converts Her gorgeous raiment seemed so out of' 
place amid the simple surroundings, that it attracted 
much attention. 

Reginald was a follower of Christ, both in pre- 


Cora’s wedding. 


167 


cept and example, and tried to practice what he 
preached. 

After service, the little congregation departed 
unconscious of the approaching wedding ; all but 
Cora and the general, together with a few gentleman 
friends who had come to see their fair queen mar- 
ried. 

When the church was cleared, they all moved to 
ward the altar, and Reginald arose and began the 
marriage service. His voice was solemn and impres- 
sive, but Cora heeded it not, and only repeated the 
responses mechanically. Her mind was far away. 
She was wondering if she would be seasick on the 
trip, and hoped the general had not forgotten that 
case of champagne, as her friends had recommended 
it for sea-sickness. Whether there would be a pleas- 
ant party abroad, was also a subject for speculation ; 
— of course, composed of nice young men, else it 
would not be a pleasant party in her estimation. 

The general’s mind was also wandering from the 
present, anxious to know if liis head clerk would 
prove worthy of the trust reposed in him during his 
absence. 

Both were awakened from their reveries by Reg- 
inald, who had finished the service, and was wish- 
ing them happiness in their new life. 

Cora looked at him irresolutely for a moment. 
Then his meaning dawned upon her and she replied : 

“ Oh, yes, thanks.” 

Dismissing the subject abruptly, she turned to her 
friends, saying: 


168 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“We shall be late for dinner. Hurry up, Gen- 
eral ! ” 

Her manner was so indifferent in regard to the 
most important event of her life, her marriage ; and 
her anxiety so marked in regard to the least import- 
ant, her dinner ; that Reginald was shocked, and a 
sigh escaped him as he handed the ill-mated couple 
the register to sign. 

The general was flushed and confused, but tried to 
make some appropriate remark. No one heeding 
him, he lapsed into silence. 

Cora wrote with a firm bold hand, “Cora Valen- 
tine ” for the last time ; then passed the pen to the 
general, and turned to Reginald with a frivolous 
smile, and said, lightly : 

“Now, dear Reginald, since you have made one 
more couple miserable — ” He put up his hand to 
stay her speech, and a hurt look stole into his face ; 
seeing which, Cora continued, laughing : “ I beg 
your pardon, I meant happy, of course.” 

The general scowled as he signed his name, and 
murmured something to himself which nobody paid 
any attention to. The assembled friends laughed at 
what they considered Cora’s wit, and the evident dis- 
comfiture of the general. 

Reginald seriously took her hand and answered, 
“ Mrs. Granger — ” The new name struck her as 
sounding so odd, she raised her eyebrows and with 
a comedy smile glanced again at the friends. They 
of course nudged each other, and again laughed. 


169 


Cora’s wedding. 

Reginald paid no attention to the pantomime, but 
continued : “ — if I did not think your heart responded 
to the vows you have just uttered, I should feel 
guilty of a crime myself, in joining your hands to- 
gether.” 

Cora hastily assured him it was “ all right ” and 
begged him to be their guest at the wedding dinner 
which was to take place at Avenue Hotel. 

He declined politely, telling her his duties took him 
elsewhere. His serious face was troubled as he shook 
hands with the little party and bid them good-bye, 
and then quietly left the church. 

Cora passed down the aisle, her admirers surround- 
ing her as much as possible, and pouring flattery into 
her satiated ear. She tripped lightly into the car- 
riage, ignoring proffered assistance, and after the gen- 
eral had followed and taken his place, she signaled 
Jack, who was usually found in attendance upon her, 
to take the vacant seat opposite. She was in no mood 
for a tete-a-t&te with the general, and thought it would 

be much livelier to tease Jack. Poor Jack ! he look- 

$ 

ed very crestfallen to-day. He sprang in with alacri- 
ty at her bidding. She waved her hand to the re- 
maining group as the carriage drove off. 

Jack had been very much in love with Cora, and 
she had been kind enough to tolerate him, and allow 
him to fetch and carry for her. His fallen spirits 
had somewhat revived at the preference she had just 
shown him. 

“ Now, Jack,” she cried, mischievously, “I am go- 


170 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


ing to find you a real nice wife, while I am abroad ; 
something English, you know, to match your get-up,’' 
as she designated the loud plaid suit of European 
style he wore, and then she burst into a peal of 
laughter. 

His face lengthened’again at the raillery. The gen- 
eral scowled. 

“ I shall 11-n-never love again, don’t you k-k-know,” 
Jack replied, accompanying the words with a look 
which he intended to convey the meaning that she 
had broken his heart. 

She enjoyed his discomfiture, and laughingly ral- 
lied him again, saying : u Why Jack, how absurd you 
are ! I think an immense lot of you, and when I re- 
turn we will be great chums.” That failing to cheer 
him, she offered another suggestion. “ You shall 
escort me all around when the general gets tired of 
it.” 

The general grunted and looked as if he had a 
desire to stop the carriage and throw Jack into 
the street. The latter brightened. 

“ M-m-may I, Miss Cora ? ” and a broad smile 
spread over his weak boyish face. “ I m-m-mean 
Mrs. Granger. I was for-g-g-getting you were mar- 
ried already.” 

“ That’s funny,” answered Cora, “I had almost 
forgotten it myself! ” 

Whereupon they both laughed, and the general 
growled soto voce to himself. 

Arriving at the hotel, Jack sprang out of the car- 


CORA’S WEDDING. 171 

riage and attempted to assist Cora, offering her his 
arm ; but was shoved one side by the general, who 
said, angrily : “ Young man — allow — some right — 
wedding day,” and putting Cora’s hand within his 
arm, walked into the hotel in offended majesty. The 
carriage containing the friends arrived also, and they 
followed the bridal pair into the hotel ; poor Jack 
bringing up in the rear with a very crestfallen ex- 
pression, which Cora enjoyed immensly, for her great 
delight had always been to tease her most devoted 
admirer, Jack. 

A sumptuous repast awaited them. All were pre- 
pared to enjoy themselves. Flattering congratula- 
tions were offered, and wit and humor enlivened the 
meal. The general forgot his momentary annoyance, 
and his spirits increased as the wine flowed ; and by 
the time dinner was over, he considered himself the 
most fortunate man in the universe. 

The party broke up at midnight, after an evening 
spent in music, smoking and drinking champagne. 
The friends bid Cora an affectionate 44 good-bye,” and 
wine tears of maudlin regret glistened in their eyes. 

The general was helped to his room by a waiter, 
who assisted him to disrobe. Cora refused to share 
his apartment, under the pretext of letters to write, 
bidding Eugenia and her husband good-bye. She 
sat up far into the night planning. Her scheme of 
life was only in the bud. She must tend it well and 
hasten the bloom. 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE DEVIL. 

Several days had elapsed since the events re- 
corded in the last chapter. Roland had passed them 
in moody silence, shut up in his “den,” as he desig- 
nated the little room dedicated to his particular use, 
and littered with smoking outfits of every form and 
variety. 

It was evening, and Eugenia and Roland were 
keeping each other company in the small parlor. A 
cheerful fire danced and sputtered in the open grate, 
sending up the tiny blue and yellow flames with the 
viciousness of suppressed power, seeming to say in 
their mute language, “ See what we could do if we 
were not confined behind these iron bars. Once let 
us free and we could start a conflagration that would 
delight the fiends — then suppress us if you can.” 
This was what the flames seemed to say to Eugenia, as 
she sat before them with the book she had been read- 
ing idly lying in her lap. Her feet were crossed on 
the fender, her hands were folded on her book, and 
her big blue eyes were fixed on the glaring coals. 

Roland sat by the table, his feet elevated in a chair 
before him, a droplight at his elbow, and the even- 


THE DEVIL. 


173 

ing paper in his hand. He was a little ashamed of 
himself, but with characteristic masculine stubborn- 
ness he would not acknowledge it, even to himself. 
He had decided to “turn over a new leaf,” and give 
Eugenia a little more of his society. For that rea- 
son he was there. No subject of conversation that 
would mutually interest them occurring to him, he 
maintained silence. The only evidence he gave of 
being awake, was the dense cloud of tobacco smoke 
that circled around Eugenia's head, the fumes nearly 
choking her ; but with Spartan fortitude she sup- 
pressed the cough, and tried to look unconcerned, 
lest Roland would be annoyed, and think his pres- 
ence unwelcome. 

After an oppressive silence, Eugenia roused her- 
self to inquire : “ Have you seen Reginald lately, 

Roland ? ” turning her head toward her husband. 

“No! Has he not been here? ” replied Roland, 
looking over the top of his paper. 

“ I have not seen him for several days. I hope he 
is not sick. Poor Reginald ! He is working too 
hard, I am afraid.” She shook her head sympatheti- 
cally. 

“Pshaw ! ” answered Roland, with a shrug of his 
shoulders. “ He likes it, you may be sure, or he 
would not do it.” 

“You misjudge him, dear,” Eugenia remonstrated, 
with mild rebuke. “Reginald would work his fin- 
gers off for duty’s sake ! He is so unselfish, he never 
thinks how tired he is.” 


174 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ More fool he,” sneered Roland, grimly. 

“ Who is a fool ? ” inquired a new-comer, whose 
entrance had not been noticed. He smiled a cheer- 
ful good-natured smile at the startled husband and 
wife as he advanced into the room. 

“ Why Reginald, dear,” exclaimed Eugenia, spring- 
ing up to greet him, “ we were just speaking of you, 
and wondering why we had not seen you,” and 
she took her brother’s face in her hands and gave 
him a loving kiss. He returned the caress, and pat- 
ted his sister on the back with protecting fondness. 
Then he shook hands with Roland, and after divest- 
ing himself of hat and coat, made one of the group 
around the fire. 

% 

“ I hope that flattering epithet I heard, on enter- 
ing, was not applied to me,” said Reginald, with 
another good-humored smile. 

“ I am afraid it was, in a measure,” answered Ro- 
land, returning the smile. “Eugenia thought you 
were overworked, and I said 6 more fool you.’ ” 

Reginald looked fondly at his sister, and she 
reached for his hand, pressed it within her own, pat- 
ting it with that affectionate understanding that so 
rarelv exists between brother and sister. 

1/ 

“ You have not told us why you have not been 
here before, truant,” she playfully said. 

“ No ? Then I will do so immediately, and ask 
my little sister’s forgiveness for my absence.” He 
settled himself in an arm-chair and continued: “We 
have had a great deal of sickness in the district 


175 


THE DEVIL. 

lately, and I have no assistant now to help me visit 
the poor, and speak kind words to my patient suffer- 
ers, so I must do it myself. It occupies about all 
my time. Is my apology accepted ? ” with a gentle 
smile to his sister, whose sad face wore a look of 
concern. 

“ You miss me, don’t you, dear ? ” asked she, giv- 
ing him an appealing look. 

u Very much indeed, little sister,” he replied, af- 
fectionately. 

“I am almost well again, and then how gladly I 
will help you,” she said, hopefully. 

“ Yes, and get down sick again. Better stay home, 
and take care of yourself, and let others take care 
of themselves,” growled Roland. 

“ I will not get sick, and it will do me good to 
think of others instead of myself,” she exclaimed, 
cheerfully. 

“ I will not let her work too hard, Roland ; and as 
she says, it will do her good to think of others,” re- 
plied Reginald. Then consulting his watch and 
looking at his sister, he continued: “I have just 

one hour to give you, little sister, then I must attend 
a meeting.” 

“ What, another meeting ! ” cried Roland, with 
surprise. 

Reginald bowed his head in assent, while Eugenia 
exclaimed in disappointed accents : “ Only one hour, 
and you come so seldom ! ” 

“Well,” inquired Roland with partial interest, “to 


176 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


what theological subject, for I suppose it is theologi- 
cal, as usual, are we indebted for the loss of your 
society to-night ? ” 

44 Our discussion to-night,” replied Reginald, 
44 will principally be about that part of the Bible re- 
ferring to the devil ; his origin, his power, and his 
works.” 

Roland gave a sneering laugh and replied, for he 
was always ready to argue theology with Reginald, 
the latter’s intense earnestness affording him great 
amusement. 

44 Why, my dear fellow, you can’t do that in one 
night ! It would take more than a lifetime to follow 
that old gentleman’s tracks,” he said, with a low 
chuckle. 

44 We do not intend to follow his tracks,” replied 
Reginald. 44 It is beyond our feeble capacity to 
trace step by step the misery and suffering he has 
individually produced,” and his voice had a ring as 
of pain. 44 We are to speak of him collectively, and 
of his relative power to the Diety.” 

44 But, my dear boy,” remonstrated Roland, “ I 
don’t pretend to be an authority on the Bible, yet it 
strikes me that the subject, as heretofore handled, 
has a good many flaws in it, when it comes to be 
dissected piece by piece.” 

44 Flaws ? ” echoed Reginald, 44 1 fail to see your 
meaning.” 

44 1 will try and make it clear,” and Roland set- 
tled himself comfortably in his chair for the intended 


THE DEVIL. 


177 


wordy combat, for he enjoyed immensely what he 
called putting “ posers ” to the clergy. “ In the be- 
ginning,” continued Roland, “ according to that his- 
torical work we call the Bible, God was all-powerful, 
was he not ? ” 

“ Most certainly he was, and is,” answered Regi- 
nald, reverently. 

“ Very well. So far, so good,” and Roland waved 
his hand to dismiss that part of the argument, and 
continued : “ He created the angels, therefore they 

must have been inferior to himself, and subject to 
his law and will.” 

“ Yes,” put in Reginald, “ but I fail to see the con- 
nection with the subject we were speaking of.” 

“ You will see it presently,” replied Roland, grow- 
ing enthusiastic as the argument progressed, and em- 
phasizing his remarks by repeated ships on the table, 
while Eugenia looked from husband to brother in 
startled wonder and dismay. “ Now,” continued 
Roland, “ the devil, we are told, was a fallen angel. 
How comes it he has equal power with the Deity, to 
influence for bad, and counteract the Creator’s influ- 
ence for good?” Roland paused for an answer, but 
none forth-coming, he again plunged into the sub- 
ject. “ If he was in the first place God’s own crea- 
tion, God had power to suppress him at any moment ; 
that is, supposing there is a personal devil. The 
fact that God does not suppress him, goes to prove 
that he intended the world to be just what it is, 
from the start. His motive for making this mixture 
12 


178 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


of good and evil, we are too short-sighted to see ; but 
as he knew all things, and could do all things, of 
course he knew evil would exist, intended it should 
be so, and made the laws of nature to govern the 
case.” With a final slap on the table, to emphasize 
his argument, Roland tipped back in his chair, and 
looked triumphantly at Reginald, waiting for the 
lucidation to the mystery, but convinced that it 
would somehow be evaded. 

Eugenia crept close to her brother, and eyed her 
husband with a terrified look of expectancy ; which, 
had it been translated into words, would have said : 
“ Will such blasphemy receive instant punishment ? ” 

Reginald knitted his brows, trying to find a com- 
bative argument to meet the demand. None seem- 
ing to occur to him, he contented himself by meekly 
saying : 

“ I do not see it that way. The devil acquired a 
power beyond God’s control, and promised the In- 
carnate Son the world, to tempt Him to bow before 
that power.” 

“ Mere absurdity,” answered Roland, snapping his 
fingers. “ From what source could that fallen angel 
have derived his power ? How absurd to promise to 
give God, through Christ — for I suppose your doc- 
trine teaches the Trinity, which makes Christ and 
God omnipotent and identical — what was already 
his, something which had sprung into existence by 
his sole agency ! ” 

“ There are some things,” replied Reginald, pa- 
tiently, “ not intended for us to know.” 


f 


THE DEVIL. 


179 


“ Yes, that is what you ministers always say when 
you get into a tight place,” answered Roland, tri- 
umphantly. 

“ Do you not believe in a personal devil ? ” inquir- 
ed Reginald. 

“ No ! I believe in an evil influence, call it what 
you may ; but I think it comes from perverted hu- 
man nature, unchecked through generations.” 

“ Do you not believe that our Creator has a watch- 
ful eye upon us always ? ” asked Reginald. 

“ Oh, yes,” answered Roland, nonchalantly. “ But 
that evil has its sway, usually unchecked, and no 
supernatural power interferes to turn aside a blow 
struck at the innocent, proves to me that our Creator 
intended us to be governed by the laws of nature he 
himself had made, and he does not intend to inter- 
fere with the course of events ; in this world, at least ; 
the next, we know nothing of.” 

“ Dear husband, try to have more faith ! ” exclaim- 
ed Eugenia, persuasively. “ You cannot be a Chris- 
tian without faith,” 

“ You are right there,” replied Roland, sarcasti- 
cally. u The word ‘ Christian ’ implies faith, blind 
faith. They have got to have it. Inquiry makes a 
skeptic, while Christian faith blindly swallows any- 
thing that tradition has regulated as proper. With- 
out this faith the Christian church would be shaky 
on its foundation. For by scrutinizing investigation 
it is found to be built on* a fabric of superstition, 
of tradition and hearsay ; and so full of incon- 


180 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


sistency, that it would instantly become a social, in- 
stead of a divine institution, and consequently lose its 
power. So to prevent this, investigation is called 
blasphemy, and ignorance is called faith.” 

“ O, Roland, dear,” softly ventured Eugenia, “you 
cannot attribute ignorance to some of the learned 
and eloquent divines that fill our pulpits. They must 
be men of great literary attainments, and yet they 
believe ! ” 

“ My dear girl,” her husband answered, “we do 
not know their hearts. They may be full of doubt 
or misgiving, but policy forbids the expression of 
those doubts. A man in doubt, usually takes the 
popular side, especially when that side brings him 
affluence, respect and admiration. 

Eugenia was silenced by her husband’s avalanche 
of words, and looked to her brother to answer for 
her. 

Reginald’s calm demeanor was unruffled as he 
mildly remonstrated. 

“ You are severe, brother-in-law, you will tell us 
next that you doubt the divinity of Christ.” 

“ Supposing I do, what then ? ” replied Roland, as 
he looked inquisitively from brother to sister. 

Eugenia winced. Reginald’s face wore a troubled 
look. His clerical experience had been insufficient 
to combat successfully the argument ; and as his 
characteristic was sincerity, rather than eloquence, 
he could not substitute the latter for knowledge. 

“ Do you also doubt the existence of a God ? ” in- 
quired Reginald, in a shocked tone. 


THE DEVIL* 


181 


“ No, most decidedly not ! All the wonderful 
works of nature, the electric spark of life that 
springs into existence every second in the animal 
and vegetable kingdom, speak of a power. The 
laws of nature also speak of a master hand. The 
elements breath to us of a guiding power. There 
is a source from whence all springs, a source we call 
a Creator, a God,” answered Roland. 

“ Then why deny his son, Christ?” asked Reg- 
inald. 

“I neither deny nor affirm. I doubt, judging only 
from the historical proof that is given us. Men 
wrote the Bible. Why should we think they were 
any more likely to be infallible because they lived 
nineteen hundred years ago, than today ? Should a 
man proclaim to be inspired to-day, we would not 
take his word on trust. We would either deny it or 
investigate. Why then should it be called blasphe- 
mous to investigate the word of a man who lived 
ages ago ? If we investigate, we find contradictions, 
inconsistencies ; other books of a like nature, all 
claiming to be inspired and the work of the Cre- 
ator, through the medium of inspiration, of course. 
Now, two things, one contradicting the other, can- 
not be both right. Which shall we select ? I simply 
think that the men who wrote the Bible over-rated 
their own powers, and took for inspiration what 
was only a vivid imagination. Then again, Christ 
himself neither wrote nor dictated one line in the 
Bible. Most of it was written many years after his 


182 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


death by others. If he claimed to be the Son of 
God, .how do we know that he did not claim it as we 
all might? We are all the children of our Creator. 
That he was one of, if not the best man who ever 
lived, admits of no argument, judging from all his- 
tories. He was a reformer and gave his life to es- 
tablish his cause. His death was by crucifixion, 
which was the usual mode of death for all prisoners 
convicted of high treason. He transgressed against 
the civil authorities, and it was for that he was 
condemned to death, not for his religious teachings. 
There are other religions besides ours claiming a 
disciple invested with Divine power. They bring 
proof as convincing to themselves as ours is to us. 
Do you not think we are very conceited to declare 
we only are right and every others belief wrong? ” 

Reginald looked troubled, but#unconvinced. Like 
all religious enthusiasts, be was mentally blind. 

Roland waited a moment, then resumed his argu- 
ment. 

44 Did it ever strike you how closely the stories 
told in the Bible resemble those of Grecian my- 
thology ? Names and dates only are altered in many 
instances. Read the account of Jupiter and Pro- 
metheus, and compare it to Christ’s temptation by 
the devil. Also the origin of Hercules, 1280 years 
before the Christian era. He was the son of Apollo, 
God of the Sun, and a mortal mother. The account 
is almost word for word, the same as the account of 
Jesus’ birth, differing only in names. There are the. 


THE DEVIL. 


183 


prophesies of Ovicl foretelling the birth of Aescula- 
pius, nearly identical with those of Tsaiah foretelling 
the birth of Christ. If all those accounts are merely 
coincidences, they are marvelous ones. Even our 
Sabbath we owe to mythology. It was instituted to 
worship Apollo, God of the Sun, and takes its name 
from that, Sunday. The idea often occurs to me 
that our Christian creed is but a mitigation of the 
old mythology, moulded over to suit the needs of 
advancing civilization ; and that our Creator is too 
sublime and wonderful a being to ever stoop to oc- 
cupy the flesh he himself had made, or hold com- 
munion with his insignificant puppets.” 

44 We will drop that subject for the present,” re- 
plied Reginald. 44 I want you to answer this ques« 
tion : Why are those who have faith happier than 

those who have not ? ” 

44 Because,” answered Roland, 44 they who profess 
faith are usually the credulous, preferring to accept 
another’s verdict rather than investigate for them- 
selves. Many are incapable of investigation. The 
brain must be ripe to receive knowledge, else it is 
thrown away. With knowledge comes doubt.” 

44 Is one not happier to be credulous then ? ” sug- 
gested Eugenia, timidly. 

44 For the individual, perhaps, but not for the 
world,” said Roland. 44 The spirit of our age de- 
mands progress. It is right for all to think for them- 
selves, if capable of doing so. Thought may bring 
chaos to the mind, but it benefits posterity.” 


184 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


“ Then you think knowledge is fatal to happi- 
ness ? ” inquired Reginald, who had sort of lost his 
hold on the argument. 

“ I do in many cases,” replied Roland, decisively. 

“ Then,” declared Eugenia, “ I do not want to 
know. I would rather be happy in the belief that 
mamma taught me, and read my Bible.” 

“ Go on, my dear,” answered her husband, in a 
tone of contempt; “be as blind as you like, and 
comfort yourself with the assurance that the less you 
know, the happier you will be. There is a good ex- 
ample before you,” and he jerked his thumb in the 
direction of the hearth-rug, on which was stretched 
a fat pug dog soundly sleeping, and enjoying the 
warmth from the open fireplace. “ Look at that lazy 
dog. He is brainless, but is happier than it is possi- 
ble for mortal to be.” 

The comparison had wounded Eugenia’s sensitive 
nature, but to hide her feelings she sat down near the 
dog and tenderly stroked his slick coat. 

Reginald, comprehending his sister’s feelings, but 
not thinking it wise to interfere between husband and 
wife, assumed a cheerful tone and said as he arose to 
take his departure : 

“ Little sister, that husband of yours is incorrigi- 
ble. Let us leave him alone.” 

“ Prove to me by facts, not by surmises and hear- 
say, that I have spoken falsely,” demanded Roland, 
still intent on compelling Reginald to answer the 
challenge. 


THE DEVILc 185 

But Reginald decided that retreat was best under 
the circumstances, so moved toward the door, watch 
in hand, saying: 

“ I must postpone further argument at present. 
My time is up, and I rather dislike being late at an 
appointment.” 

Eugenia had followed him to the door, childishly 
clinging to his arm. He turned to kiss her, and as 
he did so said : 

“ Good-night, little sister, be happy in your own 
sweet way.” 

Roland curled his lip, and picked up the discarded 
newspaper in disgust. Reginald turned to Roland 
and pleasantly wished him “ Good-night,” and the 
door closed behind him. 

Eugenia crossed to her old seat by the fire, to 
think over the, to her, dreadful things her husband 
had just uttered ; for Roland did not consider it 
worth while to waste ammunition on so poor an op* 
ponent as his wife. So silence reigned again. 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


i&6 


CHAPTER XXL 

INDIA. 

Over the dancing waters the good ship Etruria 
skimmed with her living freight. The great blue 
depths with its regular rolling swell, tossed its white 
spray around the keel of the steamer. The mon- 
strous finny tribe would here and there bob up a 
dripping head above the mirrored surface and plunge 
again into the depths. The great steamer creaked 
as she labored on, puffing and blowing with the exer- 
tions of her gigantic engines. The passengers had 
disposed of themselves around the deck, some to 
dream away the hours in poetical odes to the sea, 
some to picture the land of their destination, and 
some simply bent on killing time. 

To the latter class, if young enough, flirtation sug- 
gested itself as the most agreeable mode. Cora, 
being one of that class, was surrounded by a group 
of admirers, who amused her with flattery and anec- 
dotes ; which must have been quite agreeable to 
her, if one might judge by the frequent peals of 
merry laughter. 

Where was the general all this time? Alas! poor 
man ! a fixture in his berth, the victim to sea-sick- 


India. 


187 


ness. Even the attractive face of his bride failed 
to arouse him. He felt only one interest, his stom- 
ach, which made him suffer horribly. 

Cora would go in and look at him occasionally as 
he tossed and groaned, and would come out of the 
room with a mischievous smile lurking on her face. 
She was all right, therefore she felt she could afford 
to be amused at the general’s misfortune. Besides, 
it kept him a prisoner in the room, and she was 
free to entertain or to be entertained by those 
I younger and more to her taste. 

The days sped on. The good ship surpassed her 
record. The voyage was over at last. All the 
passengers pronounced it to have been a glorious 
passage. The weather had been charming. When 
the big vessel glided into the port of Queenstown, 
the lately made friends — friendship is of rapid 
growth on shipboard — bid each other good-bye with 
regret. 

The general came out of his berth more wrinkled 
and wizened than ever. His temper had suffered 
also by the attack, and he was exceedingly irritable. 
Cora had been enjoying herself, so the general’s 
discomfiture was a matter of complete indifference 
to her. 

The general was not in a condition to continue the 
journey immediately. They remained in Queens- 
town only long enough for the old man to recover, 
then went on to London. After visiting the prin- 
cipal objects of interest and “ doing the place ” in 


188 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


genuine American express style, the couple crossed 
the channel to Paris. Paris was rushed through 
with the same velocity, and then Cora proposed 
India. The general remonstrated, but of no avail. 
India it must be. 

Cora’s eyes gleamed with youthful health and fire 
as she recalled the scene of her childhood. The 
general had been there as a very young man, but 
he had outlived his friends and the passion for 
intrigue, and his memory reverted now to the heat, 
the insects, the disagreeable climate, everything in 
short which tended to make a man uncomfortable. 
Time’s curtain had dropped over the faded pleas- 
ures of the past. 

Cora’s memory, on the contrary, was filled with 
romance — the balmy nights, the sweet odor of 
flowers, the whispered words of love and adula- 
tion breathed into one’s ear by a handsome subal- 
tern on a stolen leave of absence. 

The general fumed and raged. Cora replied, “ I 
am going to India.” He then resorted to bribery, 
jewelry, dresses, anything she wished. She only 
smiled and answered again, “ I am going to India.” 
And as is usually the case when youth and old age 
hold contrary opinions, youth got the best of it, 
and once more they were on a steamer bound for 
India. 

The general stood the voyage this time better than 
he expected, and was able to remain part of the 
trip on deck. 


INDIA. 


189 


After due time, Calcutta was reached, and the pair 
— it would be rather out of place to call them the 
happy pair, as their union was not consummated from 
motives of love, at least on Cora’s part — the pair 
installed themselves in a furnished bungalow, en- 
gaged a retinue of servants, and Cora by clever ma- 
noeuvreing managed to get into society. She found 
one or two military friends who remembered her in 
childhood, and by their introductions her circle grew 
until she became a leader in her set ; which she had 
not found a difficult achievement, for youth, beauty 
and money is an open sesame, usually, to the world. 
She gave choice dinners and supplied fine wines, so 
that an invitation to her house was eagerly sought 
after. 

The general at first was called upon to chaperone, 
but by degrees he dropped out of her entertainments, 
and his place was supplied by her later admirers, he 
meanwhile becoming absorbed in himself and his fail- 
ing health. They were nearly through the fashion- 
able season, when the old man broke down entirely, 
and took to his bed with the Indian fever. He begged 
to return home to America, and when too late, Cora 
consented, but the general could not be moved. The 
best physicians and nurses the country afforded were 
brought into requisition, but uselessly ; after a short 
illness the general was gathered to his fathers, and 
buried in a strange land. 

Cora behaved with becoming decorum, robed her- 
self in deepest mourning, received the condolence of 


190 FASHIONABLE SINS. 

her circle of friends, notified his attorney in New 
York of the sad event, and made her preparations to 
return to America on the first vessel sailing. She 
was now very anxious to return and take undisputed 
possession of his wealth. He had often told her 
that his will was in her favor, he having no near kin- 
dred ; but the will itself, she had never seen. Con- 
sequently, she was very anxious for an immediate 
settlement of his affairs. 

His death had not made much impression on her 
otherwise. The bonds of matrimony she had found 
to be burdensome, so that freedom was considered 
quite desirable. 

The world, that is her world, sympathized with 
her great affliction, and was charmed by the affec- 
tionate manner in which she spoke of the departed, 
and always left her presence with a friendly regard 
for the handsome woman who had seemed to hold 
her aged husband’s memory in such tender respect. 

Cora landed in New York one year from the day 
she left it. She found everything to her satisfaction. 
The general’s affairs were speedily settled, as he had 
left everything in perfect order, and the main part of 
his wealth was easily available in stocks and bonds. 
She engaged fashionable apartments in one of the 
best hotels, and resolved for a time at least to revere 
his memory before the world by partial retirement ; 
that is, she would give no large parties nor attend 
any, at present. 

She was young, rich, beautiful and a widow, the 


INDIA. 


191 


world lay yet before her, and former friends flocked 
around her. She could afford to wait. Meanwhile, 
why not re-capture Roland Dupont ? A mischievous 
look glittered in her eyes, at the thought of triumph- 
antly landing him captive again. Her good resolu- 
tions melted into air. Eugenia’s sad, pale face, was 
forgotten. Yes, she decided to write to him and 
summons him once more to her side. Her vanity 
never for an instant allowed her to doubt that he 
would personally answer her appeal. There is no 
law on earth for punishment, is there one hereafter, 
for men and women of the world who play “ Battle- 
dore and shuttlecock ” with hearts? 


132 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


CHAPTER XXII. 

THE LETTER. 

The past year had brought to Eugenia a settled 
peace. The romance of girlhood had died under the 
strain of stern reality’s severe lesson. Roland had 
performed his duties as head of the house in a mat- 
ter-of-fact manner. His temper was no longer sub- 
ject to heat and cold, but he was not the lover, only 
the settled husband. Why could not the elysium of 
the honeymoon last forever ! What a heaven earth 
would become ! No, the devil must stir the cauldron 
and boil the broth of discontent. The serpent must 
enter Eden, even as in the days of old. Well, 
“ Such is Life! ” We must live and endure, buoyed 
up by a hope we cannot fathom, longing for a re- 
ward we cannot demonstrate, hoping against hope 
for something definite to satisfy our indefinite long- 
ings. 

Eugenia lived in her dreams of the past and in her 
duties of the present. She was a gentle helper to 
her brother among his sick and poor, tender, patient, 
true. He valued her above all earthly possessions, 
and consulted her about all his affairs. When he 
was too busy to call in person, he would write her 


THE LETTER 


193 


little notes ; sometimes sending them by post, some- 
times leaving them at Roland’s office, when business 
took him in that locality. 

One morning, as Roland was about to leave the 
house, it occurred to him that he had a note for 
Eugenia from her brother. Reginald gave it to him 
the previous evening, but he had forgotten it up to 
the present time. Well, it wouldn’t matter much, 
he guessed, a few hours’ difference. So hastily 
fumbling in his pocket, he produced a note which he 
carelessly tossed to Eugenia without giving it a 
glance. She smiled her thanks and slipped it into 
the pocket of her dress, continuing her present occu- 
pation of feeding her birds. 

Roland lit his cigar, gave his wife a duty kiss, 
and with his hands in his pockets and thoughts wan- 
dering afar off on many forbidden themes, he sallied 
forth to business. 

The sun shone with warm good-morning beams, 
dancing in little rays among the glass and china 
ware on the buffet, and resting on the gilt cages, in- 
toxicating the birds to melody. How fair earth 
seemed ! How beautiful was the green world ! Life 
was worth struggling for after all ! How the sun- 
shine warmed the heart ! Eugenia stood by the 
window, enjoying a sun bath and admiring the 
glorious day. 

“ Why, I have forgotten my letter ! ” remarked 
she to herself, and drawing the missive from her 
pocket, half murmured : “ Poor Reginald ! it is 

13 


194 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


another appeal on behalf of his pensioners, I know,” 
and smiling to herself, she went to her chamber, 
pulled her favorite rocking-chair over to the window 
where the sunlight could rest upon her, and took the 
letter from her pocket. 

The letter had been opened. “ How strange ! ” 
she thought. Roland did not usually open Reginald’s 
letters. 

She glanced at the directions. They were in a 
woman’s handwriting and directed to Roland. She 
started a moment, and then a bright look of intelli- 
gence crossed her face as the writing grew familiar 
to her eyes. She exclaimed aloud, “It is from 
Cora ! ” So she had returned and Roland never 
mentioned it. How stupid men are about remem 
bering letters, but perhaps Cora wished to walk in 
and surprise her, she meditated, the letter still in 
her hand unopened. She would be glad to see her. 
How much they would have to talk about, she 
thought. Cora must be very sad and lonely since 
the general’s death. With a sigh, to the memory of 
the poor old departed general, she spread the letter 
before her and commenced to read. As her eyes 
traveled down the page, the light died from her face 
and an ashy pallor spread over her features. These 
were the words that met her gaze : 

“ My dear Roland : — 

“ Once so very dear, I write to tell you T am again 
at home, but alone now. You have doubtless heard 
of the general’s death in India. Will you not come 
gnd. see me ? I so long to see your dear face again I 


THE LETTER. 


196 


“ I try to reconcile myself to the belief that you 
are a stranger now and evermore, but I cannot. My 
mind goes back to the time when you held me in 
your arms and said I was the dearest thing on earth 
to you. I think what might have been, but that 
Eugenia stands between us. 

“ Come to me for the sake of those glad days ! 

“ Yours in heart always, 

“ Cora.” 

The letter dropped from Eugenia’s trembling fin- 
gers, the blood in her veins seemed turning to ice, 
her heart beat with wild throbbing, and cold beads 
of agony settled on her brow. She stared at the 
letter full five minutes. The tears blinded her eyes 
so that she could not see the address. In that five 
minutes she had aged five years. 

The sun still shone, but failed to warm the heart. 
The misty fog of sorrow settled on the fair green 
world, and changed the entire aspect of nature. The 
blow had fallen ! The key to the mystery was found 
at last ! So this was the cause of the change in 
Roland ! Cora, her friend, had come between them, 
had stolen her husband’s heart ! Only a heart ! 
How little to steal ! 

The world smiled on. Another heart might break, 
but only God saw it and pitied its mute agony. 

Was this jealousy? that green-eyed monster, that 
gnawed the heart while the world ridiculed its 
ravages ? 

“Oh, Coral Cora!” cried Eugenia, between her 
dry sobs, “were there not men enough in the world 


196 


FASHION AP> L E SINS. 


for you to choose from, without taking from me the 
only being around whom my heart entwined ! Ro- 
land, why have you deceived me so ? I loved you 
and I trusted you. My faith in you was as fixed as 
the stars. I would as soon have believed they would 
fall from the azure dome, than that you, my king 
among men, would be false to me. My heart is 
breaking ! My heart is breaking ! ” 

She fell on her knees, burying her head in the 
cushion of the chair, while bitter tears coursed down 
her ashy cheeks, and wild sobs shook the slender 
frame. They ceased at last, and an unearthly silence 
seemed to fall upon the chamber. She arose from 
her knees, a deathly calm stealing over her, and 
returned to the low rocking-chair. The sky had 

become clouded, and rain began to patter on the 

\ . 

leaves. 

Great sorrow drains the mind by its absorbing 
intensity, leaving a momentary blank into which lit- 
tle things creep and occupy our rapt attention. The 
wall paper! Eugenia glanced vacantly at it. All 
of a sudden, it seemed to assume importance. How 
peculiar the pattern was, but why did the figures 
seem to shake and tremble with an irregular motion ? 
Her momentary interest died, as her eyes rested on 
the clock. That in its turn engrossed her thoughts. 
How loud it ticked and seemed to speak ! What 
words did it so constantly repeat? She listened, 
bending forward with intent eyes and strained ears. 

Great Heavens! The clock also was saying, 


THE LETTER. 


197 


“Stands between us,” “Stands between us.” Her 
trouble came back to her with oppressive force. She 
pressed her hand on her heart. u Will this dull 
ache never cease,” she sobbed. “ Must I go through 
life with this leaden weight always here ! here ! No. 
I cannot. Dear God, do not ask it ! My cross is 
too heavy, my shoulders too weak, let me lay it 
down ! ” 

Then Cora’s words came before her blurred vision, 
as in letters of fire : “ My poor Eugenia, pray to die 
young ! ” She calmly thought a moment, for the 
tempest was past. “ Cora, you were right ! ” she 
murmured aloud. “ I do pray to die young. I do 
not know the Avorld. I am ignorant and useless. 
By living, I make three people miserable. I stand 
between Cora and Roland, and life to me now is a 
blank ! ” 

With a weary, hopeless sigh, she closed her eyes 
to think. 


i 


198 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE PEAYEB. 

The seconds grew into minutes, the minutes into 
hours, the weary hours dragged on. The sky was 
overcast. The summer shower had settled into a 
steady downpour. Eugenia still sat by the window, 
deep in thought. 

“ What will the future be to me now,” she asked 
herself; “the wife of a man who does not love me, 
perhaps even looks upon me with loathing, as a 
stumbling block to happiness, a mill stone tied 
around his neck, dragging him down ? ” 

She did not know enough of the world to see the 
intrigue in its hideous light, and after her first burst 
of grief was over, she pitied both Roland and Cora 
for their great misfortune of loving one another 
hopelessly. 

She judges them from her own pure standpoint of 
honor. She had loved Roland with unselfish devo- 
tion. That love had stolen upon her unawares. 
That another should have grown to love him also, 
seemed only natural. She could not understand an 
infatuation whose flames were fed by secrecy. 

How dreadfully her heart ached ! how hot and 


THE PRAYER. 


199 


tired her head felt ! Would it always be so, forever 
in this world ? She had read somewhere the line, 
“ The heart may break, yet broken lives on,” and a 
shudder passed over her, as the long vista of the 
future loomed before her vision, with always that 
terrible gnawing at the heart. 

What could she do ? She could not endure to live 
in the presence of her husband and with the constant 
chance of meeting Cora, knowing their secret. She 
could not endure the thought of watching them, of 
reading a hidden meaning in every mutual glance. 
She must go away, put miles between them. Would 
that remedy the matter ? No ! she would still be his 
wife, and the same barrier would exist to his happi- 
ness. 

“ Oh, Roland, Roland,” she cried, “ I love you so, 
I am willing to sacrifice my life for your happiness ! ” 

The idea seemed to take possession of her, that 
her death alone would remedy the matter. Death 
would not come at her bidding. Should she go to 
meet it? Would that be suicide? A sin in the 
eyes of God and man ? Man might call it suicide, 
but would not God record it on the book of doom as 
a sacrifice ? Her death would bring others lasting 
happiness, she reasoned to herself, and her mind grew 
confused as she continued to think. 

“ Virginius sacrificed his own daughter to preserve 
her honor. Why shall not I sacrifice my life to pre- 
serve my own and my husband’s honor, for is it not 
dishonor to live in wedlock where love does sanctify 


200 


fashionable sins. 


the bond? I love my husband, but he does not love 
me. He calls me 4 wife ’ while his heart yearns to 
another. Is not that dishonor? ” 

A good woman will often in despair lose her head 
and make a fatal plunge. Deep feelings are like deep 
waters with a smooth unruffled surface. It is only 
by dropping the lead that we sound the depths. 
Hollow hearts are like the gurgling brook, noisy and 
demonstrative, all surface, shallow water, with no 
depths to sound. 

Eugenia’s quiet and patient nature had deceived 
her friends. The blow she had just received had 
taken root in her heart, and her mind became absorbed 
in one idea — how to remedy the evil. She did not 
wish to take her brother into her confidence, for by 
so doing she must reveal her husband’s dishonor, 
which she shrank from doing. She decided that she 
must unravel the tangled skein alone. The more 
she thought about it, the more confused her ideas 
became, and right and wrong were so intermingled 
that she mistook one for the other, and contemplated 
suicide in the light of a sacrifice for honor. It was 
the one path she saw out of the difficulty. When 
she was no more, Roland and Cora could be happy. 

She knelt and prayed for guidance, but arose from 
her knees with the same fixed idea of sacrifice. Re- 
ligion had not wrought a miracle and guided her 
faltering steps. She was still her own counselor. 

The rain beat against the window panes, and the 
gloom of night set in. She arose and mechanically 


THE PRAYER. 


201 


lighted the gas, changed her attire, putting on a plain 
black dress, shawl and hat, then went forth into the 
dark and stormy night. 

As she walked, the rain pelted on her unprotected 
head, and dripped down into her neck, and settled 
in tiny pools on her head and shoulders. It mat- 
tered not — her thoughts were far away. She walked 
swiftly many blocks from home. She entered a 
drugstore and asked the clerk for laudanum. She 
wished it, she said, to dull pain. 

He looked at her scrutinizingly, but her quiet de- 
meanor deceived him, so he simply inquired the na- 
ture of the pain. 

Eugenia raised her hand to her head, then pressed 
it to her heart, saying: “ It is here and here, always, 
and it will not cease.” 

“Neuralgia, I suppose,” remarked the clerk. Then 
he suggested several remedies, to all of which Eugenia 
shook her hea*d. Seeing she was bent on the laud- 
anum, he partly filled a vial for her, cautioning her 
at the same time about its use, telling her how much 
to take with safety. She placed it in her pocket, 
and walked quietly back home again. Her mind 
was in a daze. 

It was the calm after a tempest. In her own room 
again, she changed her wet clothes, put on a loose 
white negligee , wrote a line to Roland, and placed it 
on his desk in his smoking-room. Then she arranged 
her little effects, after which she knelt and asked for- 
give ness of the sin, if sin it were, that she contem- 
plated. 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


202 

Then calling on her lost mother, saying : “ Moth- 
er, come to me ! I need you now ! Life’s tragedy 
is more than I can bear ! There is no one here 
that loves me with the fond endearing love that you, 
darling mother, lavished on me. I am coming to 
you ! Pray to God to forgive my sins and unite me 
with you. Mother, dear mother, how my heart turns 
to you in trouble and in sorrow ! ” she slowly took the 
bottle of laudanum from her pocket, thinking of the 
mother who had been her guardian angel here on 
earth when a little child growing to womanhood. 

All of a sudden a great light shone in her face, as 
of a joyous greeting. Did she see the vision of that 
mother she had so pathetically appealed to just now ? 
Who can tell what the future world may unveil as 
our eyes close on this ! 

A sudden pang seemed to seize her, the bottle 
dropped unopened to the floor, her fingers clinched 
and her face was distorted. It was over in a second, 
and a smile broke over her face, as her head dropped 
on her outstretched arm resting on the window ledge. 

Eugenia was asleep, never again to wake in this 
world. 

“ Asleep, perchance to dream ; aye, there’s the 
rub ; for in that sleep of death, what dreams may 
come, when we have shuffled off this mortal coil ? ” 

The stillness inside grew oppressive. The rain 
outside still beat against the window. Eugenia’s 
appeal was answered. The barrier yv as removed. 
The soul, still sinless, drifted into futurity. 


TOO LATE. 


203 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

TOO LATE. 

Roland had gone to his office in the morning, 
very much disturbed in his mind on account of the 
letter he had received from Cora. His infatuation 
for her had had time to cool, when it was no longer 
fanned by her presence. A renewal of the old tie 
was the last thing he desired. Howto make her un- 
derstand this once and for all without being ungen- 
tlemanly, had been puzzling him all day. 

At last he had decided to write her a note, telling 
her his services were at her command in a business 
capacity, if she would call at his office, but he must 
decline her invitation to visit her at her home. 

Thinking he would glance over her note again, he 
put his hand in his pocket, took out a note, and as 
he looked at it, an expression of blank astonishment 
crept over his features. It was directed to Eugenia, 
and in Reginald’s handwriting. Why, then, he must 
have handed to Eugenia, Cora’s note. A blush over- 
spread his face, as the situation spread before his 
vision. 

It was too late now to alter matters, he decid- 
ed ; the mischief, whatever it might be, was done. 


FASHIONABLE SlNS. 



Eugenia had had a whole day to reflect in. He 
clinched his hand and muttered a curse under his 
breath at his own stupidity. “ The cat was out of 
bag.” There was nothing left to be done, but to go 
home and face the situation, then make the best of a 
bad matter. 

There would be a scene, of course. Eugenia 
would be in tears, and would reproach him. What 
could he say ? He had been guilty, there was no 
rubbing that out. 

He put on his hat, left the office, and walked home 
in a very moody frame of mind. 

He opened the hall door with his latchkey. All 
was quiet. He entered the dining-room. Eugenia 
was not there. He thought a moment, and decided 
to go to his smoking-room to reflect, before encoun- 
tering his wife. 

The room was as he had left it in the morning. 
He sat down by his desk and was about to lean on 
his elbow, when a letter lying there attracted his no- 
tice. Not remembering to have left it there, he idly 
picked it up, and glanced at it. With a start he rec- 
ognized it as Cora’s missing letter, but was puzzled 
to explain how it came on his desk. The thought 
occurred to him if he had not given Eugenia Cora’s 
letter, what letter had he given her? 

Still trying to solve the enigma, he listlessly opened 
the letter and ran his eye down the page. He start- 
ed from his chair, as a line of fine handwriting at 
the bottom of the letter met his sight. It was these 


TOO LATE. 


words : “ Eugenia no longer stands between you,” 
and in her handwriting. He passed his hand over 
his head several times as if to clear his brain and 
realize what had taken place. 

So she had left him ! He could not blame her, it 
was his own fault. Where had she gone ? Why 
could she not have waited and have demanded an 
explanation before leaving ? 

He summoned the maid to inquire when her mis- 
tress left the house. The girl looked at him in as- 
tonishment, and replied that her “ mistress was asleep 
up-stairs.” A look of relief came over Roland’s face. 
He dismissed the girl and went up-stairs, thinking 
Eugenia must have changed her mind. Perhaps 
matters were not as bad as he had pictured them 
after all. 

There lay Eugenia, asleep by the window, her 
childish yellow hair escaped from its fastenings and 
streaming in half-curls over her eyes, a pleased smile 
on the parted lips, one white arm that the loose 
sleeve had left exposed thrown across the window 
sill, and supporting her head. 

Roland stood in the doorway and gazed upon her. 
Somehow the picture caused his mind to wander in 
the past, to think of the day he first met Eugenia on 
the train. It seemed as if the intervening years 
were swept away, and she were again the pretty 
school-girl he so much admired. 

Should he awaken her with a kiss, he asked him- 
self. How sweetly she slept ! There was no trou- 
ble in that fair face. 


206 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


lie tip-toed softly to her, and called gently, Eu* 
genia ! ” 

No answer. He stooped to kiss her. His lips 
touched marble ! 

He started back, looked at her again, then swept 
the yellow curls from her face and exclaimed, “ My 
God, she is dead ! ” 

The strong man reeled, and fell into a chair, sob- 
bing like a boy. The map of evil deeds hung before 
his eyes, held by the hand of the avenging angel, 
Death. 

This then was the meaning of that line, “ Eugenia 
no longer stands between you.” 

He knelt by her side, and taking her cold hands 
in his, spoke to her as if his appeal would wake her 
into life, saying : “ My darling, why did you do this 
thing? You are the only one I love! I have been 
a vain fool, but my heart was yours always.” 

He paused, as if expecting a reply, and gazed in- 
tently into the half-opened eyes, as if beseeching 
them to look on him again, and longing to hear 
again the sweet voice say, “ I forgive you.” 

Too late ! too late ! The parted lips refuse to 
answer. 

u We never prize our blessings till we lose them.” 

In that moment, she was dearer to him than she 
had ever been in life. 

As he was about to raise her from the chair, his 
foot struck something, and glancing down he saw 
the half-filled bottle of laudanum. The cork wais 


TOO LATE. 


207 


still in. He picked it up, and as he did so his blood 
seemed to freeze with horror, as he thought her 
death was due to that. He covered his face with his 
hands and wept as only a strong man can, tears of 
repentance and sorrow. He looked at the half-filled 
bottle again, then dropped it into his pocket that 
others might not see it also ; and controlling his emo- 
tion, placed the slender form on the bed. He rang 
the bell for the maid ; but before she could enter the 
room, he met her at the door, and hurriedly explaining 
that her mistress had fainted, sent her for a physician. 
Then seating himself by Eugenia’s side, he tried to 
rub the warmth of life into the cold hands. His 
eyes were fixed upon her face, waiting for the breath 
he longed to see open again the half-closed lips. 

It was so the doctor found him on entering the 
room. His practiced eye told him he stood in the 
presence of death. He commenced his hopeless task 
of searching for the life he knew had fled, making 
many inquiries at the same time. 

Roland told him nothing but that he found her 
dead on his return. Suicide was a stigma. Why 
tell the horrible truth, and place a stigma on a life as 
pure and blameless as hers had been ? 

No ! Man could not aid her, they should not con- 
demn her ! If by publishing his folly to the world he 
could bring her back to life, how gladly he would do 
so ! He would not uselessly make food for idle gos- 
sips to wag their chattering tongues about, and smack 
their lips as they rolled the delicious morsel beneath 
their tongues. 


208 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


The doctor finished his brief examination, and as 
he turned to Roland, shook his head solemnly, re- 
peating : 44 Poor child, poor child ! I did not dream 
it would end her life so quickly.” 

Roland grew confused and replied : 44 Will you 
kindly tell me, Doctor, to what you refer ?” 

The doctor stared at him and answered: 44 To 
what should I refer but to the organic trouble of the 
heart ? She has had it all her life. But I never ap- 
prehended danger, unless she should receive a dread- 
ful shock. You say you know of none ? ” giving him 
a penetrating look. 

Roland dropped his eyes, as a guilty flush stole 
into his face ; and lest the doctor should notice, it, he 
turned away to attend to some trifling thing as he 
replied : 44 None whatever. I did not know she even 
had a heart trouble.” 

44 That is strange ! ” said the doctor. 44 But it was 
like her generous nature not to mention it, lest it 
cause you anxiety. I have done all I can. I must 
leave you now. I brought her into the world, and I 
will come to see her carried fronrit,” and stooping, 
he printed a kiss on the cold brow. Then raising 
his hat, he left the room. 

Roland stood where the doctor left him, mechan- 
ically repeating to himself : 44 Heart disease ! Heart 
disease ! Well, it may have been. I hope it was! ” 
He then took the bottle of laudanum from his pocket 
and his brows knit together as he thought : 44 Did she 
take any of this? No ! No ! it could not be ! God in 


TOO LATE. 


209 


his mercy took her home sinless,” and reverently 
raising his hand and looking upwards he uttered a 
silent prayer, the first since his early boyhood. Then 
lie tenderly drew the sheet over the face of the girl 
he had loved and wronged. 

Composing himself, he rang the bell. The maid 
answered it, and he calmly told her of her mistress’s 
death and the verdict of the doctor. Then he or- 
dered her to go to Mr. Reginald’s, after which he left 
the room and entered his study to think. 

The girl stood still, staring and open-mouthed, a 
moment, then ran to her mistress’s side and wept and 
wailed in the usual stormy fashion of the uneducat- 
ed. After she had quieted down she left the house to 
execute her mission. 

Roland rang the call for a messenger, and dis- 
patched a note to Cora, demanding her immediate 
presence. It was important, he wrote, that she must 
be there. He then sat in stony silence waiting. The 
maid returned, saying Mr. Reginald was out, but she 
had left word for him. 

The minutes dragged along. The clock sounded, 
and the silent house echoed back the sound. 

Cora was first to arrive. Roland met her at his 
study door. She stretched forth her hand in wel- 
come. He ignored it. He looked her squarely in 
the eye, as he said in hard metallic tones : “ You and 
I have been guilty of a folly, perhaps a sin. It is 
over forever, but Nemesis points her finger at the 
guilty and says, 4 The price of guilt is high. Beware ! 
14 


210 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


the payment is demanded when the creditor is least 
prepared to meet it ! ’ ” 

Cora looked at him puzzled, and thought he had 
gone mad. He seized her by the wrist and partly 
dragged her up the stairs and into the presence of 
Death. 

Then pointing to the bed, he continued : “ See, 
they exacted my payment to-night. Yours has yet 
to come.” 

“ I do not understand,” murmured Cora, with 
white lips. 

He silently handed her her own letter. She took it 
mechanically, keeping her eyes fixed on the bed 
where the outline of a human figure was discernible 
under the sheet. Roland stood facing her, with fold- 
ed arms, and hard set features, bht his eyes blazed 
with a mingled light of grief, remorse and rage. 
They never for an instant left Cora’s face. 

She became agitated and uncertain what to do or 
say. Finally she collected her faculties enough to 
point toward the bed and whisper : “ Is that Eu- 

• o 

genia r 

He tore the covering from the form and replied : 
u Look at your work, woman ! the friend of your 
school-days that you like a Judas betray r ed! She read 
your hypocritical letter, and died that we might be 
happy together. I happy with a fiend like you ! ” 
with accents of intense scorn. “ I loathe your very 
presence ! But for you, we might have been happy 
as man and wife, loving each other with confidence 


TOO LATE. 


211 


and trust. It is such women as you that loosen the 
serpent in Eden, and leave a poisonous trail forever 
in their wake ! ” 

Cora was indignant that he, the willing sharer of 
her guilt, had thrown the blame on her, and an- 
swered : “But you, how about you? You are a 
coward, like most of your sex, where an intrigue is 
concerned. You saddle the blame upon a woman 
and cry 6 temptation.’ Are you so weak, you must 
follow blindly the first finger that beckons you ? If I 
remember rightly, you were more than willing to 
accept my favors, and betrayed your wife without a 
pang of remorse. And now you talk to me of 
Judas ! ” with a sarcastic sneer. 

44 I acknowledge my guilt,’* answered Roland, “but 
I have received my punishment also. Yours has yet 
to come.” 

Cora moved toward the bed, and reached to take 
Eugenia’s hand. Roland stepped *be tween them, 
saying in a broken voice : 44 Do not dare to touch 

her, your touch would defile her ! ” 

Cora stepped back and gave him a look of defi- 
ance. 

44 Yours will sanctify her undoubtedly ! Your creed 
seems to be 4 Guilt forgotten is washed away,’ ” said 
she, with derision. 

44 Woman, can you not see that remorse is eating 
my heart like a canker ! I wish to be alone with my 
dead.” Then pointing to the door he solemnly con- 
tinued : 44 Go! with God’s help I will never look 


212 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


upon your face again.” Then falling on his knees 
he buried his face in the shroud of the dead. 

Cora walked to the door, then turned to look again 
at her schoolmate, and sighed as she murmured to 
herself, “ She was too good for earth ! Why, is she 
lying there dead ? ” 

She dared not question Roland now in regard to 
Eugenia’s death, and was about to depart with the 
softened look of remorse still on her face, when she 
glanced at the kneeling sobbing form of Roland. 
Her face hardened, and her lip curled with contempt 
as she said to him : 

“I echo your words. With God’s help, may we 
never meet again ! It will not be my fault if I ever 
look upon your face ! ” 

She was gone. Roland was alone with his dead. 


finis. 


213 


CHAPTER XXV. 

FINIS. 

In the fashionable cemetery of G , in a re- 

tired corner on the slope of a hill, where the sun- 
beams warm the crocuses to life in early spring, and 
kiss the daisies in summer when they nod their little 
heads above the green sward, stands a broken mar- 
ble column, with one word chiseled at its base, the 
simple name “ Eugenia.” The grass around is closely 
clipped, the column is always scrupulously clean, and 
everything has an air of extreme simplicity, although 
great care is bestowed upon it. 

On a certain day of every year, a white-haired 
gentleman visits the grave. It is the anniversary of 
tho day on which she who is buried beneath passed 

away from life. The gentleman is not gray with 

* 

age. He is young still, manly and handsome. The 
vicissitudes of life rather than the storms of time 
have beaten upon his head and left their marks 
there. He has made a vow, as long as life may last, 
come from whatever land to which he may wander 
in the meantime, on that day he will visit the grave 
of her whom he had wronged, and place upon the 
marble column a wreath of immortels, his , offering 


214 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


of remembrance ; and if in another world the spirit 
of Eugenia could see or comprehend what was pass- 
ing here, she would understand the memento and 
pardon the sinner. 

As Roland knelt upon the grave, his lips would 
move, and whisper this regret, a regret echoed again 
in the breast of nearly all who struggle on life’s 
stormy seas to reach a haven dimly defined in the 
distance : “ Oh, that we could blot out the past, and 

make for ourselves another life, dating from to-day ! 
But fashion the future how we may, we are haunted 
by memories of the years gone by, grim spectral 
shadows, rising from their graves and rattling their 
dry bones when we least expect or desire their pres- 
ence.” 

Roland could not forget. Memory may be a bless- 
ing, but many times a curse, making for us a hell 
within ourselves, a scourge from which we cannot 
escape. He was a wanderer upon the face of the 
earth, engaging in any business which demanded 
constant travel. He was moody and silent, shun- 
ning all his former acquaintances, and making no new 
ones. He was a living example of that prophecy 
With what measures ye mete it shall be measured 
to you again.” 

A strong intellect, sitting in judgment upon 
itself, metes out a lasting punishment, eating like a 
canker into the heart. 

***** 

Reginald had grieved for his sister in his quiet, 


FINIS. 


215 


lymphatic way ; but his life of duty went on just 
the same, with the same clockwork precision. Time 
was healing the wound, and another girlish face was 
imprinting its image on his heart ; and in proportion 
as that image brightened, the face of his sister faded. 
His hope in life was budding, and he looked forward 
to a domestic scene, where the face of that sweet 
young girl, one of his congregation, should reign by 
his fireside as wife and mother. 

***** 

Miss Tabb joined a sisterhood, under the auspices 
of several wealthy charitable ladies, for nursing and 
caring for the sick and poor. She did not forget her 
little orphaned friends of “ Rickety Row,” and her 
kind motherly advice assisted them to grow up to be 
honest men and women. 

***** 

John was brought to trial for his crime ; but the 
evidence not being strong enough to hang him, he 
was sentenced for life. 

***** 

What punishment was meted out to Cora? In 
this world, none ! Retribution does not always over- 
take the guilty here. Cora wore a magic talisman, 
the golden cloak. 

No matter what has been preached or written, 
actions speak louder than words ; and they say that 


216 


FASHIONABLE SINS. 


the World bows to the Earth for gold. ’Gold is the 
diety that is worshiped with all the sincerity that 
the pagan professed to his ancient mythological 
gods. 

Cora was considered eccentric, but no more. Many 
a fair shoulder shrugged at mention of her name ; 
but she was rich, had managed to get a footing in 
society, and had studiously avoided open scandal. 
The world said to itself, 46 She is rich. We have 
not the audacity to investigate too closely or con- 
demn publicly one who has a golden power. It is 
much better to feign belief in her integrity.” 

The world admires innocence and upholds straw 
splitting — it is full of straw splitters, who condone 
an offence if the offender is of social position to 
warrant it, but hold up their hands in horror other- 
wise ; presumably at the offence, but in reality at the 
offender, and split straws, look wise, and call it 
morality. 

In the hands of the Creator of all things we leave 
the threads of this tangled skein, trusting His jus- 
tice to unravel the knotted mass, and sort the 
threads. 

Lest the reader find fault at the ending of my 
story, let me ask : Do the guilty always meet their 

punishment on earth ? No ! only in romance and 
tracts. 

Such is Life . 


HAVE YOU READ 


JUDAS ISCARIOT? 


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PRICE, 50 CENTS. 


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^ READ IT! & 

Sent, prepaid, on receipt of price. 

NEW YORK: 

THE MINERVA PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

48 University Place. 


Taylor’s Hotel, 

Jersey City, April 16th, 1889. 

Minerva Publishing Co. 

Gentle7nen : 

Last week, while in Chicago, one of my friends, a 
newspaper man located there, handed me a copy of “Judas 
Iscariot,” and in doing so averred that I would “doubtless 
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the repeated perusal of its pages has not only afforded me 
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various aspects. I regard myself under a deep obligation to 
my friend for the book. . . . 

Yours with felicitations, 

L. PIERRE QUIROULE. 










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